Seattle Mariners Director of Player Development Andy McKay announced today the extension of the Player Development Contract with the Everett AquaSox, the Mariners Short-A affiliate in the Northwest League. The Player Development Contract, which would have run out at the end of the 2020 season, has been extended to cover the 2021-2022 seasons.
"Partnering with Everett for another four years fulfills multiple goals for us," Mariners Director of Player Development Andy McKay said. "Aside from the geographic convenience, the AquaSox, with leadership of both Danny (Tetzlaff) and Pat (Filippone), provide our players with a first-class environment. Their commitment to our players is evident with the upgrades that they have spearheaded to the ballpark. We will continue to reciprocate by providing the best on-field product that we can while continuing to impact the surrounding community through our community service initiatives."
Everett has been affiliated with the Seattle Mariners for 24 seasons, becoming the Mariners affiliate in the Northwest League on September 12, 1994. The AquaSox play their home games at Everett Memorial Stadium, located in Everett, Wash., less than 30 miles north of Seattle. In 24 seasons as the Mariners affiliate, the AquaSox have compiled a 908-914 (.498) record. Since joining the Seattle organization, Everett has qualified for the postseason 7 times, including 6 times over the last 9 seasons (2010, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016 & 2018). In 2010 the AquaSox led the Northwest League with a franchise record tying 49 wins (also: 1987 as San Francisco Giants) on their way to a Northwest League Championship. With the extension, the Mariners and AquaSox will continue to have the longest affiliation pairing of any clubs in the Northwest League. 
Everett has produced numerous Major Leaguers during their affiliation with the Mariners, including helping develop current Mariners RHP Matt Festa, RHP Félix Hernández, RHP Erasmo Ramírez and C Mike Zunino.
"The Mariners and AquaSox have had a stable relationship dating back to 1995 and we look forward to continuing working together for many years to come," said Mariners Executive Vice President & General Manager Jerry Dipoto. "We are in a unique situation having our Northwest affiliate so close to Seattle. The city of Everett and the AquaSox fan-base have always been great supporters of our minor leaguers and the entire Mariners organization. 
The AquaSox wrapped up the 2018 season with a 38-38 overall record, which was T2nd-best overall record in the Northwest League North Division and trailed only the Hillsboro Hops (52-25) and the Vancouver Canadians (40-36) for the best in the league. The AquaSox qualified for a postseason berth after winning the North Division First Half title, but fell the Spokane Indians in the Northwest League North Division Finals.   
The AquaSox featured 21 players selected by Seattle in the 2018 MLB First-Year Player Draft, including C Jake Anchia (7th), RHP Grant Anderson (21st), RHP Joey Gerber (8th), INF Cash Gladfelter (27th), RHP Nolan Hoffman (5th), INF Bobby Honeyman (29th), INF Connor Kopach (25th), OF Charlie McConnell (13th), OF Keegan McGovern (9th), RHP Penn Murfee (33rd), INF Ryne Ogren (12th), LHP Benjamin Onyshko (24th), LHP Michael Plassmeyer (4th), C Cal Raleigh (3rd), OF Ryan Ramiz (23rd), INF Nick Rodriguez (22nd), RHP J.T. Salter (20th), INF Matt Sanders (10th), OF Josh Stowers (2nd) and RHP Noah Zavolas (18th).