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Suns, Nationals Extend Player Development Contract

Hagerstown SunsAnother player-development contract extension to report: the Hagerstown Suns (Low A; Sally League) and the Washington Nationals extended their affiliation deal through the 2018 season.

Vice President and Senior Advisor to the General Manager Bob Boone, Assistant General Manager and Vice President of Player Personnel Doug Harris and Director of Player Development Mark Scialabba made the joint announcement.

“We are pleased to extend our Player Development Contract with the Hagerstown Suns, a relationship we have had now for nine-plus years,” Rizzo said. “The Suns play an integral role in developing the next wave of talent to advance through our system. Some of our best players have spent time learning how to play the game the ‘Nationals Way’ while in Hagerstown. We’re glad to continue our working relationship with them.”

“Hagerstown has been a tremendous partner of ours,” Harris added. “From being Bryce Harper’s first professional home, to helping players like Wilmer Difo flourish, to raising the current wave of young talent impacting our organization at the big-league level, our relationship with the Suns has played a large role in our overall success.”

The Nationals began their relationship with Hagerstown in 2007 after ending a six-year run with the Savannah Sand Gnats. The Suns are 669-620 (.519) since aligning with the Nationals, including three consecutive 80+ win seasons and three straight playoff berths from 2012 to 2014. In 2014, the Suns reached the South Atlantic League Finals before falling to the Asheville Tourists. That season, Difo, who is currently on the Major League roster, was named the South Atlantic League’s Most Valuable Player.

The Suns went 43-27 (.614) to claim the South Atlantic League Northern Division title in the first half of the 2016 season, clinching a spot in the postseason. To date, they boast the best record in the South Atlantic League at 71-49 (.592).

“We are very pleased with our partnership with the Washington Nationals,” Suns General Manager Travis Painter said. “We look forward to continuing our relationship for years to come.”

Here’s a look at the current affiliate status in Minor League Baseball.

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