The Los Angeles Dodgers have extended affiliations with the Oklahoma City Dodgers (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League), Tulsa Drillers (Class AA; Texas League), Rancho Cucamonga Quakes (High A; California League) and the Great Lakes Loons (Low A; Midwest League) through 2020.
The announcement was made jointly by Los Angeles Dodgers President and CEO Stan Kasten and Director of Player Development Brandon Gomes.
The OKC Dodgers, who clinched the PCL American North division title on Monday with a 75-65 record, have been the Dodgers Triple-A affiliate for the past four seasons. Oklahoma City has clinched its third division title in the last four seasons including winning the conference title in 2016.
“Being part of the Los Angeles Dodgers’ organization and family throughout the last four years has been incredible,” said OKC Dodgers President/General Manager Michael Byrnes. “There’s been an impressive string of on-field success in Oklahoma City and beyond, and the great fans of our city and state now bleed blue.”
The Tulsa Drillers clinched their second straight appearance in the Texas League Playoffs on August 31, which is also their fifth in the last seven years. After four years partnering with Los Angeles, Tulsa will have the opportunity to win its first Texas League Championship since the 1998 season. All-time, the Drillers franchise has won three TL titles while the city of Tulsa has won eight total Texas League crowns, with the first coming in 1936.
“The Drillers are thrilled to extend our partnership with the Los Angeles Dodgers,” said Drillers President Mike Melega. “In the previous four years, Drillers fans have enjoyed many exciting moments from the outstanding young players the Dodgers have brought through our city. It is with great pride that we watch former Drillers make their debuts in Major League Baseball in Dodgers uniforms. We look forward to many more years with the Tulsa Drillers as the Double-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers.”
In eight seasons with the Dodgers, the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes had a historic 2018 season, setting the franchise’s single season win record with 81 wins, surpassing the 2011 club that finished the year 80-60. Infielder Rylan Bannon was voted as the 2018 California League Most Valuable Player and Rookie of the Year, which is the second time the Quakes have swept both the MVP and ROY awards (DJ Peters, 2017).
“We’re very proud to continue our relationship with the Dodgers,” said General Manager – Vice President Grant Riddle. “This has been a win-win for our fans, what with all the former Quakes that have made their way to Dodger Stadium and the countless rehabbers that have come to LoanMart Field while trying to work their way back to Los Angeles. It’s a great partnership and we’re excited to watch former Quakes help the Dodgers get back to the World Series again this year!”
The Great Lakes Loons have been the Single-A partner of the Los Angeles Dodgers since the team’s inception in 2007. The Loons also clinched their playoff berth in the 2018 Midwest League Playoffs this week, after finishing the season 36-33.
“We have had a great relationship with the Dodgers over the last 12 years and we’re looking forward to working hand-in-hand with them for another two seasons,” Loons Senior Vice President & General Manager Scott Litle said. “The Dodgers have played a key role in the success our franchise has enjoyed, and we are excited to announce the Dodgers will be a part of Loons baseball moving forward.”
You can read more about the current state of affiliations on our Affiliate Dance page. We expect a number of player development contracts to be renewed in the coming week, 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 through this coming weekend. After that, teams can file to search new affiliation options, so there’s always a shuffle of sorts at the end of the season.