“We are pleased that Worcester, Portland, Greenville, and Salem have been invited to continue their affiliation and will remain part of the extended Red Sox family,” said Red Sox President & CEO Sam Kennedy. “Our farm system is an essential component in our work to create a more consistent and efficient operation that helps us play October baseball each and every year. We thank our affiliates for the significant role they play in shaping our future stars, and look forward to continuing our relationship under MLB’s improved player development structure.”
While Salem has been moved from the Advanced Class A level to Class A, the city is happy to continue to provide Minor League Baseball to the Roanoke Valley community.
“We are delighted by our continued affiliation with the Boston Red Sox, one of MLB’s premiere organizations,” said Salem Red Sox Managing Director Jeff White. “A more than decade-long partnership with the City of Salem, the entire Roanoke valley community, and the loyal employees of the Salem Sox continues. In this most difficult of times, it’s a sign of continuity and hope, welcomed by all.”
The Boston team at Lowell was eliminated and the Pawtucket team, a Boston affiliate since 1973, was moved to Worcester.
“We are very pleased to be invited to enter into a long-term agreement with the Boston Red Sox,” said Dr. Charles Steinberg, President of the Worcester Red Sox. “In this, the deep depths of December, we all long to see the next generation of Red Sox stars take the field and bring us joy.”
Portland will remain the Sox Class AA team and Greenville will now move from Class A to the Advanced Class A level.
“We thank the Red Sox for continuing to place their trust in us and going forward, to giving our amazing fans more opportunities to see future big-league stars in action, right here in Portland,” said Portland Sea Dogs President & General Manager Geoff Iacuessa. “We appreciate the Red Sox commitment to the Sea Dogs, the city of Portland, and the state of Maine.”
“Since the inaugural season of the Greenville Drive in 2006 our success has been built upon strong partnerships,” said Greenville Drive Owner & President Craig Brown. “Our most important partnership has been with the Boston Red Sox. We have had the privilege of being part of Major League Baseball’s most storied organization for close to two decades, with our fans witnessing more than 90 players realizing their dreams by making it to the big leagues and playing for World Championships. We eagerly anticipate the return of baseball to Fluor Field this spring and welcoming the next group of Red Sox stars while we continue to build upon our unique partnership with the Boston Red Sox for years to come.”
