The Lancaster JetHawks (High Class A; California League) and the Houston Astros extended their player development contract (PDC) for two more years, through 2016.
“Coming on the heels of another season of onfield success featuring high-profile prospects, we are excited to continue our partnership with Houston,” said JetHawks Vice President Brad Seymour. “The Astros continue to place a lot of focus in its minor league system, and we are thrilled that the fans in the Antelope Valley will continue to have the opportunity to enjoy watching the talent from one of the highest-rated farm systems in baseball develop on their way to the Major League level.”
Houston brought Lancaster its first-ever California League championship in 2012 and in the six years that the JetHawks and Astros have been partners, 20 former Lancaster players have gone on to play at the Major League level, including All Star Jose Altuve, rookie phenom George Springer, Jon Singleton and veteran catcher Jason Castro.
“We have a wonderful partnership with the JetHawks and are very excited to extend our player development contract,” said Astros Director of Player Development Quinton McCracken. “We look forward to fielding exciting championship players and teams in Lancaster in the upcoming years.”
At the conclusion of this player development contract extension, Lancaster will have been a Houston affiliate for eight seasons, the most of any of the JetHawks previous Major League partners in the franchise’s 19-year history. Prior to Houston’s arrival in 2009, the JetHawks had a two-year affiliation with the Boston Red Sox, which followed a six-year agreement with the Arizona Diamondbacks from 2001-2006 and a five-year partnership with the Seattle Mariners from 1996-2000.
Here’s a look at the current affiliate status in Minor League Baseball.
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