We have another affiliation extension to report, as the Arkansas Travelers (Class AA; Texas League) and the Seattle Mariners renewed their player development contract (PDC) through 2020.
“We are extremely pleased to extend our Player Development Contract with the Seattle Mariners for two seasons through 2020,” said Travelers President Russ Meeks. “The Mariners are a first class organization with wonderful leadership. Jerry Dipoto and Andy McKay have ensured we have a quality product on the field and outstanding people off the field and in the community.”
“The Mariners are thrilled to continue our relationship with the Arkansas Travelers,” said Mariners Executive Vice President & General Manager Jerry Dipoto. “Our development programs are built around people, process and community, all of which are plentiful with both the Travs and the loyal fans in Little Rock. We are thankful to have the Travelers as a member of our family and will remain committed to producing good baseball and an entertaining ballpark experience.”
The Travelers have been affiliated with the Seattle Mariners for the past two seasons, with five different players being called directly to Seattle from Arkansas in that time. Additionally, the Mariners have sent 10 players to the Travs to play on Major League Rehab Assignments.
“The Mariners are excited to be able to extend our relationship with the Travelers,” Mariners Director of Player Development Andy McKay said. “The Mariners have a commitment to a strong minor league system, and value the best possible environment for our prospects to develop. We have that environment with the Arkansas Travelers and look forward to making it even better.”
Since joining the Texas League in 1966, the Travelers have had just three Major League affiliates. Seattle (2017-current) was preceded by the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (2001-2016) and the St. Louis Cardinals (1966-2000).
You can read more about the current state of affiliations on our Affiliate Dance page. We expect a number of affiliations to be renewed in coming weeks, but there are always intriguing openings at every level of baseball. As you can see on the Affiliate Dance page, MLB and MiLB teams can renew their existing affiliations at any point. At the end of the 2018 season, teams can file to search new affiliation options, so there’s always a shuffle of sorts at the end of the year.