It looks like there will be no changes in Triple-A affiliations for the 2017-2018 cycle, as the Las Vegas 51s (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) and New York Mets have renewed their player development contract (PDC) through 2018.
“The Mets have been a great affiliate for us in Las Vegas over the past four seasons,” 51s President/COO Don Logan said. “They have a tremendous farm system and the fans in Las Vegas have seen many of the Mets young stars play here at Cashman Field. Also, having Wally Backman as our manager over the past four years has been an added bonus.
“We are familiar with the front office personnel with the Mets. I’ve known Sandy Alderson (Mets GM) for over 30 years and have worked with J.P. Ricciardi (Special Assistant to the GM), and Terry Collins (Manager). They are all very familiar with Las Vegas from the time they spent here with other organizations as well as with the Mets. We are excited to extend our PDC with the Mets through the 2018 season.”
The Mets have promoted many players from Triple-A Las Vegas during the tenure of the PDC (2013-16) and the most notable players include: Eric Campbell (INF/OF), Travis d’Arnaud (catcher), Lucas Duda (infielder), Jacob deGrom (pitcher, 2014 N.L. Rookie of the Year), Jeurys Familia (pitcher), Wilmer Flores (infielder), Dilson Herrera (infielder), Juan Lagares (outfielder, 2014 Rawlings Gold Glove Winner), Steven Matz (pitcher), Rafael Montero (pitcher), Kirk Nieuwenhuis (outfielder), Kevin Plawecki (catcher), Hansel Robles (pitcher), Noah Syndergaard (pitcher), Carlos Torres (pitcher) and Zack Wheeler (pitcher).
“We are excited about continuing our partnership with the Las Vegas 51s and the city of Las Vegas, one which values equally player development, winning and community involvement,” Mets General Manager Sandy Alderson said.
Here’s a look at the current affiliate status in Minor League Baseball. We are coming up on crunch time for PDC renewals, with the deadline after the end of the 2016 season.