The New York Yankees are moving their Double-A affiliate from Mercer County to Somerset County, causing heartbreak in the city of Trenton, but celebration in the city of Bridgewater.

The Yankees broke off a nearly 20-year relationship with the Trenton Thunder, based in Mercer County for a new opportunity in Bridgewater, Somerset County.  

“Well, it’s a big blow to the capital city and for sports fans in Central Jersey,” says Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora.

The Thunder has been an incredibly successful franchise affiliate with the Yankees for nearly two decades at Mercer County Waterfront Park. One of the Trenton Thunder team owners ripped the Yankees in a statement, accusing them of ditching Trenton for the Somerset Patriots. Joseph Plumeri says the Yankees betrayed their partnership at the 11th hour.

"We learned through the media that New York Yankees management has made the calculated and ungracious maneuver to leave the urban setting of Trenton for the affluent confines of Bridgewater Township,” says Plumeri.

“We’re really excited about a global brand like the Yankees coming to Somerset County,” says Somerset Patriots President & GM Patrick McVerry. “We’ve gotten so many great comments from our fans and community and we’re really looking forward to this summer.”

It’s unclear if Trenton can find a new, major league partner by the spring. In the past, the team has been affiliated with both the Boston Red Sox and Detroit Tigers.

A news conference in Bridgewater is scheduled for Tuesday.