Texas Rangers GM Jon Daniels says he expects his team to sign a player development contract with the High Desert Mavericks (High Class A; California League), resolving the last open affiliations in MiLB/MLB for 2015-2016.
The last two opening are at High Class A, where the Atlanta Braves and the Rangers have been talking with the Carolina Mudcats (High Class A; Carolina League) and the Mavericks to resolve the final openings. Both teams have shown a preference to be in the Carolina League — indeed, most MLB teams not on the West Coast would prefer to have their High Class A teams in the Carolina League, versus the Florida State League (too rainy and hot) and the Cal League (too many travel issues). So Mudcats owner Steve Bryant has been negotiating with both teams, although the consensus is that the Braves would be a stronger marketing draw in Zebulon.
Last night Daniels held his annual meeting with the press to go over the previous season and prep for the new season. As you might expect, the hot topic in the press conference was not the Mavs or the Mudcats: it was the managerial opening for the club, and other discussions centered on the need for starting pitching.
Here’s a look at the current affiliate status in Minor League Baseball.
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