The Northwest Arkansas Naturals (Class AA; Texas League) and Kansas City Royals have announced a two-year extension of their player development contract, which now runs through the 2022 season.
“We are thrilled to be extending our PDC with Northwest Arkansas for two more years.” said J.J. Picollo, Royals Vice President/Assistant General Manager of Player Personnel. “The relationship we have with the Naturals staff and the community couldn’t be any better and Arvest Ballpark is a first class facility that our players enjoy calling home. Justin Cole and his staff have done a wonderful job maintaining and improving the facility and it doesn’t go unnoticed by our staff and players. We are grateful for our relationship.”
Throughout the Naturals’ time in Northwest Arkansas, the team has always been an affiliate of the Royals as the relationship between Kansas City and Rich Baseball Operations began in 1995 in Wichita.
“We are also thrilled to continue our player development contract with the Kansas City Royals.” said Naturals Vice President/General Manager Justin Cole. “Our relationship with everyone involved from Kansas City has always been excellent and we are proud of the key role Arvest Ballpark serves in their world class player development system.”
Since 2008, Northwest Arkansas has reached the playoffs seven times in 12 seasons and won the Texas League Championship in 2010. Meanwhile, the Royals reached the World Series in 2014 and 2015 and took the crown in 2015 led by former Naturals’ Eric Hosmer, Mike Moustakas, and Salvador Perez .