Major League Baseball announced all 120 Minor League teams extended an invitation to become Professional Development League (PDL) license holders have officially agreed to accept.
For the Los Angeles Dodgers it amounts to Triple-A Oklahoma City, Double-A Tulsa, High-A Great Lakes and Low-A Rancho Cucamonga remaining their affiliates.
The integrated player development system now includes a total of 179 teams across 17 leagues in 43 states and four provinces. Including the Arizona and Gulf Coast Leagues, there are 209 teams across 19 leagues in 44 states and four provinces.
“We are excited to unveil this new model, which not only provides a pipeline to the Majors, but continues the Minor Leagues’ tradition of entertaining millions of families in hundreds of communities,” MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement.
“In modernizing our Minor League system, we prioritized the qualities that make the Minor Leagues such an integral part of our game while strengthening how we develop professional athletes on and off the field.
“We look forward to demonstrating the best of our game throughout local communities, supporting all those who are working hard to grow the sport, and sharing unrivaled technology and resources with minor league teams and players.”
As part of MLB’s realignment, many Minor League affiliates will be geographically closer to their parent Major League teams. This was designed for fans to be able to watch players progress from the Minor Leagues to the big leagues in their home region.
Moreover, the new structure comes with additional benefits for players such as salary increases, modernized facility standards, improved amenities and working conditions, and reduced in-season travel.
MLB said more teams will be joining the broader player development system and other baseball leagues in the coming weeks.
Dodgers no longer affiliated with Rookie-level Ogden Raptors
As part of MLB’s restructuring of the Minor Leagues, the Dodgers are no longer affiliated with the Rookie-level Ogden Raptors. The affiliate was one of over 60 Minor League affiliates cut to save money amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
The Pioneer League, which the Raptors played in, was designated a “Partner League” for the 2021 season. It will transition to an independent professional league that continues to provide baseball to the states of Idaho, Montana, Utah and Colorado.
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, participate in our shows and giveaways, and more!
