Cubs extend affiliation agreement with all minor league teams through 2022

The Chicago Cubs today announced that they have agreed to extend the Player Development Contract (PDC) with four of their minor league affiliates through the 2022 season. The other affiliate, the Eugene Emeralds, had previously signed an agreement to stay with the Cubs through 2022 in August.

Cubs senior vice-president for Scouting and Player Development, Jason McLeod, said:

We could not be happier to extend our five affiliates through at least the next four seasons. The clubs have been wonderful partners for our players both on the field and in their respective communities. Continuing these relationships with our affiliates is a testament to each club’s leadership, first-class staff and facilities and loyal fan bases.

Some of the affiliates also gave their take on this happy news. Andrew T. Berlin, owner of the South Bend Cubs, said:

It’s rare in today’s modern system to see an affiliate renew so early. Our original contract began with the 2015 season and already have two extensions of that deal. Chicago recognizes our commitment to developing their players with our world-class facilities and the dedication our fans have for the Cubs players.

Sam Bernabe, president and general manager of the Iowa Cubs, said:

We are excited to continue our long-standing partnership with the Chicago Cubs. The stability of the Cubs in Des Moines means a lot to our fan base and our community. We couldn’t ask for a better partner through the last 38 seasons. We look forward to the next four seasons and beyond with the Chicago Cub

Four years is the longest term that teams are permitted to sign an agreement with their minor league affiliates. The Cubs signed all four affiliates to the longest-possible agreement. So clearly both the Cubs are their affiliates are happy with their current relationship.

The Cubs Triple-A affiliate has been in Iowa since 1981, the ninth-longest relationship in minor league baseball and the third-longest in Triple-A. Tennessee has been the Cubs’ Double-A affiliate since 2007. Myrtle Beach, South Bend and Eugene all joined the Cubs organization for the 2015 season.

The Cubs farm system has won at least one minor league title in each year of the past six seasons, including Eugene’s Northwest League title in 2018.

Here’s to continued success over the next four seasons in the Cubs’ minor league system.

(This article has been updated with the quotes from the affiliates.)