Binghamton Mets to change name in 2017

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. -- The New York Mets and their Double-A affiliate have no intention of breaking up, but the Binghamton Mets will have a new nickname beginning in 2017.

Under new ownership that is committed to keeping the Eastern League club in Binghamton, New York, for the long term, the B-Mets will rebrand themselves after the upcoming season in order to maximize merchandising revenue.

The team will announce details of a name-the-team contest April 7, which is opening day in the league.

The Mets and B-Mets have been linked since 1992. The current player-development agreement runs through 2020. The B-Mets' lease at NYSEG stadium in Binghamton runs through 2021.