The Hillsboro Hops (Short Season A; Northwest League) and the Arizona Diamondbacks have extended their player-development contract (PDC) through the 2018 season.
The pair have been affiliated since the 2001 season, prior to the team’s arrival in Hillsboro from Yakima.
“We are extremely pleased to extend our partnership with the Diamondbacks through the 2018 season,” said Hops President Mike McMurray. “Working with Director of Player Development Mike Bell, as well as the rest of the Diamondbacks organization, has been an honor that we are happy we can continue.”
“There were 5300 people here on the 4th of July, and an energetic crowd has become normal in Hillsboro,” said Diamondbacks Director of Player Development Mike Bell. “Because of that, we believe Hillsboro is a great place to develop players. The facility, the McMurrays, the whole crew and the community bring life to the ballpark every single night. We’re grateful to be able to extend the partnership.”
In 2015, Arizona entrusted its first six selections in the First-Year Player Draft to Hillsboro, including the top overall pick Dansby Swanson. Arizona’s top selection in the 2016 draft, Anfernee Grier, began his career playing for the Hops.
The talent on the field has culminated in Northwest League Championships in the 2014 and 2015 seasons. Hillsboro also saw their first two former players make it to the major leagues when Aaron Blair debuted for the Atlanta Braves and Zac Curtis debuted for the Diamondbacks.
We’ve been posting plenty of affiliate news so far this summer, as teams get ready for the end of the season, when new affiliate deals can be negotiated if the old ones end. Most affiliate deals end up renewed. Check out our Affiliate Dance page for the current stage of affiliate deals.