In a major shift at the High-A level, the Milwaukee Brewers landed the Carolina Mudcats (Carolina League) as a new affiliate, while the Colorado Rockies end up in the California League with the Lancaster JetHawks.
Both new player development contracts (PDCs) run for two years, through 2018.
“Having met with the Brewers, and in looking at their system, we are confident that we are getting an organization that is loaded with young, talented prospects that we feel will enhance our program” said Carolina Mudcats President and Majority Owner Steve Bryant. “We are very impressed with the Brewers in that they share with us a desire to develop young talent at the Minor League level.”
This is billed as Milwaukee’s first Carolina League affiliation. The Brewers had previously been affiliated with the Florida State League’s Brevard County Manatees from 2005 through 2016. They were also affiliated with the High-A California League (Stockton, Mudville, High Desert) from 1990 through 2004.
“The Brewers are excited to announce a partnership with Steve Bryant and the Carolina Mudcats,” said Brewers General Manager David Stearns. “The organization is committed to developing young talent and we strongly believe that the Mudcats will help us achieve that goal. We look forward to working with our new partner in the Carolina League.”
The JetHawks have not announced the Rockies affiliation yet, but did send out a tweet noting the new affiliation.
Yesterday was the deadline for MiLB and MLB teams to reach an agreement on affiliations. This was perhaps the quietest affiliation season in recent memory, with relatively few changes — especially outside of the High-A level.
Here is a look at the current affiliation status in Minor League Baseball.