TinCaps, Padres Extend Affiliation

The Fort Wayne TinCaps will remain affiliated with the San Diego Padres organization for the next two years. The teams have agreed to an extension of their Player Development Contract through the 2020 season, continuing the longest-lasting Minor League Baseball affiliation for the Padres.

The teams first partnered up in the 1999 season. Only the Detroit Tigers’ affiliation with the West Michigan Whitecaps has lasted longer, by only two years.

"The Padres are building a World Series contender, and we’re energized to be part of it," said TinCaps President Mike Nutter. "Beyond that, we’re deeply appreciative of what the Padres do to help us make a positive impact in our community, and the stability of our relationship with the Padres is something we don’t take for granted. Minor League Baseball is about player development, not to mention affordable fun for fans. But our fan experience has been over-the-top with winning teams featuring budding big leaguers. We’re proud to be with the Padres and can’t wait to see what’s on deck."

MLB.com ranks the Padres’ farm system as the best in baseball. A.J. Preller, general manager for the Padres, says he is proud of the continued affiliation with the TinCaps.

"Our baseball operations group is tremendously appreciative of the steadfast leadership and professionalism of Jason Freier, Mike Nutter and the entire organization," said Preller. "Fort Wayne provides best-in-class facilities at Parkview Field and a fan base that has embraced our young core. Strong partners like the TinCaps and the city of Fort Wayne help our players grow and thrive as we continue to build a championship-caliber organization."