The Louisville Bats (Class AAA; International League) and the Cincinnati Reds are continuing their long-time relationship, as the clubs are extending their affiliation through 2020. The previous player development contract (PDC) was set to expire following the 2018 season.
“The Reds are extremely excited to extend our partnership with the Louisville Bats,” said Reds Senior Director of Player Development Jeff Graupe. “We look forward to the challenge of returning to the International League postseason and understand the responsibility to provide improved on-field performance in 2018 in an effort to reward a tremendous fan base.”
The Bats are 1,298-1,286 in 18 seasons since becoming the Reds’ top farm club. During their affiliation with Cincinnati, Louisville has won their first ever Governors’ Cup in 2001 and has reached the postseason five times (2001, 2003, 2008, 2009, 2010). Reds players Joey Votto, Tucker Barnhart, Homer Bailey, Jose Peraza, Adam Duvall, Devin Mesoraco, Billy Hamilton and Eugenio Suarez are among the former Bats players currently on the Reds’ roster.
“We are pleased to announce the extension of our player development contract with the Cincinnati Reds through the 2018 season,” said Louisville Bats President Gary Ulmer. “We value our long-term partnership with Cincinnati and hope to be the Reds’ Triple-A affiliate for many years to come.”