We have a Chicago Cubs affiliation to announce, but not one folks are expecting: the team is extending its player development contract (PDC) with the Iowa Cubs (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) for two additional years, through 2018.
The current agreement runs through the 2016 season, so this extension was an agreement to affirm what is already one of the longest affiliate relationships in professional baseball.
“Our long-standing relationship with the Chicago Cubs is a source of pride for our organization and our community,” Iowa Cubs President/General Manager Sam Bernabe said. “We are very pleased with Chicago’s commitment to their minor league system and our fans enjoy seeing the exciting young players on the field at Principal Park. This extension shows that the Cubs appreciate the work our staff does to provide a top notch facility and operation to support their players and staff members throughout the year.”
The affiliation between Iowa and Chicago began in 1981, and Iowa adopted the Cubs’ nickname in 1982. Of the 160 teams in Minor League Baseball, this is the eighth-longest current affiliate relationship between a Major League team and a minor league club. This extension guarantees at least 38 seasons in this partnership.
“We are pleased to reach a PDC extension with Iowa,” said Jason McLeod, the Cubs Senior Vice President, Scouting and Player Development. “We thank Michael Gartner, Sam Bernabe and the entire Iowa Cubs family for their commitment to providing a great experience for our Triple-A players. The players who have come through Iowa speak of their positive expereinces in Des Moines and appreciate their great fans, and we are thrilled to continue this long-standing partnership.”
The Cubs, of course, have been one of the big stories in baseball because of three potential affiliation shifts this offseason. We discuss the Cubs and the current affiliation dance here.
Here’s a look at the current affiliate status in Minor League Baseball.
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