Cubs to return four affiliates for 2021 | Ballpark Digest (original) (raw)

The Chicago Cubs will invite back its top four full-season affiliates for the 2021 season and beyond: Iowa Cubs, Tennessee Smokies, South Bend Cubs and Myrtle Beach Pelicans.

There will be some small changes: the South Bend Cubs are moving to High A as part of the Midwest League shift, requiring the Myrtle Beach Pelicans to move to Low-A ball, presumably as part of the Sally League.

“We are pleased to invite four of our long-time affiliates to continue working with us and help develop our players,” said Cubs Vice President of Player Development Matt Dorey via press release. “These four teams have combined to work with the Cubs for 66 years, and that is only possible with strong ownership, hardworking front offices and welcoming communities at each level of our system.

“We would also like to thank the Eugene Emeralds for their commitment and tireless effort the past six years, highlighted by Northwest League titles in 2016 and 2018,” Dorey said. “We are grateful to Allan Benavides, Matt Dompe and the entire Eugene front office.”

The Iowa Cubs have been an affiliate of the Cubs since 1981, and the 40-year relationship is third-longest among any major league team and an affiliate at the Triple-A level. Tennessee joined Chicago’s farm system in 2007 while both South Bend and Myrtle Beach joined Chicago’s player development starting with the 2015 season.

Here’s the most up-to-date information about the current affiliation status.

RELATED STORIES: Dodgers: No change in 2021 team affiliates; Padres add San Antonio as new affiliate; Blue Jays choose Vancouver over Lansing; Astros add Asheville Tourists to three existing affiliates; Mariners see no affiliate changes in 2021; Brewers invite Nashville as new Class AAA affiliate; Nationals invite Rochester, Wilmington as new affiliates; Royals add Quad Cities, Columbia as affiliates; No changes in Boston Red Sox affiliates; No changes in Philadelphia Phillies farm system; Angels add Tri-City as affiliate, keep rest of system; Rays revamp farm system, adding Charleston and promoting Bowling Green; Twins revamp farm system with new St. Paul, Wichita affiliates; Braves add Augusta to affiliate lineup; D-Backs unveil 2021 affiliates; AA to Amarillo; Tigers announce 2021 affiliates: No change