The Los Angeles Dodgers extended invitations to keep Minor League affiliates in Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Great Lakes and Rancho Cucamonga. However, they plan on moving the Loons up to High-A and the Quakes re-classified Low-A as part of MLB’s new player development structure.
The Dodgers will have short-season teams work out of their Spring Training facility and Campo Las Palmas in the Dominican Republic.
“Our minor league communities are an integral part of the success we have had at the Major League level as each affiliate provides high quality facilities and comprehensive support essential to developing World Champion caliber players,” Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said.
“We are proud of the stability our minor league affiliates have provided over the years and we want continue our relationships with Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Great Lakes and Rancho Cucamonga.”
Pending acceptance of the invitation, the Dodgers will enter a seventh consecutive season with both OKC and the Drillers as affiliates. It would mark a 14th straight season with an affiliation with the Loons, and 11th with the Quakes.
“The Los Angeles Dodgers intent to continue their affiliation with the Drillers is great news for our organization, our fans and the city of Tulsa,” Drillers general manager Mike Melega said.
“We are excited about the opportunity to continue this relationship as the Dodgers are a world-class organization that strives to do things right, both on the field and off.”
The Drillers additionally announced they will seek an agreement with the Dodgers that will span anywhere from two to 10 years.
Quakes vice president and general manager Grant Riddle said: “The Quakes are thrilled for the opportunity to continue our partnership with the Dodgers. Over the past nine seasons, Rancho Cucamonga has proudly been home to so many players on their journey to Dodger Stadium. We look forward to welcoming future Dodgers to LoanMart Field and continuing to provide championship caliber baseball to our community.”
Dodgers no longer affiliated with Ogden Raptors
With Wednesday’s announcements, the Dodgers no longer will have a Minor League affiliation with Rookie-level Ogden Raptors. That change had previously been speculated as forthcoming, along with the addition of a team in Spokane, Washington, to replace the Quakes as a High-A affiliate.
However, the organization instead elected to re-classify the Loons and Quakes.
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