The A's announced Wednesday they have invited the Las Vegas Aviators, Midland RockHounds, Lansing Lugnuts and Stockton Ports to be their minor league affiliates for the 2021 season.
"On behalf of the A's, I am excited to invite four outstanding organizations to partner with us under MLB's new player development structure,” A's general manager David Forst said through a statement. “We are proud to have already been affiliated with three of these communities, and are thrilled to welcome another into the A’s player development family.
"We know how much minor league baseball was missed in 2020 and look forward to A's minor leaguers playing in Las Vegas, Midland, Lansing and Stockton for many years to come."
The Aviators, RockHounds and Ports were all previously already affiliates of the A's. The Lugnuts are Oakland's new High-A team. Lansing previously was the home to the Toronto Blue Jays High-A affiliate.
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With Lansing's addition comes a departure. The Beloit Snappers will become the High-A affiliate to the Miami Marlins. MLB did not extend an invitation to the Vermont Lake Monsters, who were the A's Class-A Short Season team.
All four A's affiliates have to sign Professional Development Agreements before the news becomes official. The 2021 Minor League Baseball schedule has yet to be released.
