Mariners shuffle 2 Minor League affiliations

SEATTLE — The Mariners will be fielding two new Minor League affiliates next year, as the club announced a two-year player development contract with the Arkansas Travelers in the Double-A Texas League and a four-year contract with the Modesto Nuts in the Class A Advanced California League on Tuesday.

The Mariners are purchasing a majority interest in the Modesto franchise, which replaces Bakersfield as their California League affiliate. Bakersfield folded its franchise at the conclusion of this season.

Arkansas will replace Jackson as Seattle’s Double-A club. The Mariners’ 10-year affiliation with Jackson in the Southern League ended Monday, when the Generals signed a four-year deal with the D-backs.

We are beyond excited to announce the #ARTravs are the new Double-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners & are thrilled to join the M’s family! pic.twitter.com/ql2Adw2G8o

— Arkansas Travelers (@ARTravs) September 20, 2016

We are beyond excited to announce the #ARTravs are the new Double-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners & are thrilled to join the M’s family! pic.twitter.com/ql2Adw2G8o

Arkansas had been affiliated with the Angels for the past 15 years. The club has been playing in North Little Rock, Ark., since 1901 and in the Texas League since 1966. The franchise was a Triple-A club for the Phillies from 1963-65, then was the Cardinals’ Double-A affiliate from 1966-2000.

“The Mariners have a commitment to a strong Minor League system and value the best possible environment for our prospects to develop,” said Mariners director of player development Andy McKay said. “We will …

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