What to know about the Indianapolis Indians in 2026
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Catch a glimpse of top MLB prospect Konnor Griffin in Indy while you can. Photo: Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos via Getty Images
One of downtown's most beloved warm-weather attractions is back with a milestone 30th season at Victory Field, a new look and a fresh wave of big-league prospects.
Why it matters: The Indianapolis Indians begin their 124th season at home after a strong 2025 campaign that ended with them at the top of their division.
The intrigue: Opening weekend's roster includes 19-year-old shortstop Konnor Griffin, the consensus No. 1 prospect in baseball.
- The Pirates' decision to have him start his season in Indianapolis while considering a long-term contract for him worth more than $100 million came as a surprise to fans and insiders hoping he would bring in big points immediately for their fantasy baseball lineups.
Yes, but: There is no doubt that the Pirates see him as a potential face of the franchise, meaning fans who hope to get eyes on him in an Indians jersey need to head to Victory Field sooner rather than later before his inevitable call-up.
Flashback: The situation with Griffin is similar to that of superstar pitcher Paul Skenes, the No. 1 pick in the 2023 MLB Draft, who opened the 2024 season for the Indians and made seven starts before being called up to the majors that May.
- Bubba Chandler, last year's headliner at Victory Field, joins Pittsburgh's starting rotation alongside Skenes this season.
- The 2025 Indians went 87-62 for a first-place finish in the International League West, and a league-best home record of 50-25.
Zoom out: Other players to watch include No. 7 Pirates prospect Termarr Johnson, who is looking to earn his big-league call at second base, and first baseman Endy Rodríguez, who is poised for a bounce-back season after two injury-shortened years.
Plus: Eric Patterson is taking over as the club's new manager after serving as bench coach in 2025.
- He's the 65th manager in franchise history and the ninth since the Indians' affiliation with Pittsburgh began in 2005.
Between the lines: The new season brings new swag. The team's visual overhaul celebrates its Indianapolis roots.
- Developed with the Miami Nation of Indians of Indiana, the primary logo is a bold blackletter "I" enclosed in a border inspired by Native American ribbon work, with the team's founding year (1902).
- Team colors have shifted to "Wrought Iron Blue" (navy) as the foundation, with scarlet red and gold as accents.
Fun fact: The Miami Nation partnership includes a scholarship program for tribal high school graduates, fan educational activations and a land acknowledgment read before every home game.
If you go: Opening weekend games against the St. Paul Saints start at 6:35pm Friday, 4:05pm Saturday and 1:35pm Sunday.
- Tickets start at $15.