Seattle Mariners Director of Player Development Andy McKay announced the extension of the Player Development Contract with the Arkansas Travelers, the Mariners Double-A affiliate in the Texas League. The Player Development Contract, which would have run out at the end of this season, has been extended to cover the 2019-2020 seasons.
"The Mariners are excited to be able to extend our relationship with the Travelers," Mariners Director of Player Development Andy McKay said. "The Mariners have a commitment to a strong minor league system, and value the best possible environment for our prospects to develop. We have that environment with the Arkansas Travelers and look forward to making it even better."
The Travelers won the Texas League North First Half Division title and join the Everett AquaSox on being the first two Mariners affiliates to claim a postseason berth in 2018. As the first half North Division champions, the Travs will host the opening two games of the division series at Dickey-Stephens Park on Wednesday, September 5 and Thursday, September 6. The opponent will be the second half champion or the team in the division with the next best overall record.
"The Mariners are thrilled to continue our relationship with the Arkansas Travelers," said Mariners Executive Vice President & General Manager Jerry Dipoto. "Our development programs are built around people, process and community, all of which are plentiful with both the Travs and the loyal fans in Little Rock. We are thankful to have the Travelers as a member of our family and will remain committed to producing good baseball and an entertaining ballpark experience."
The Travelers have been affiliated with the Seattle Mariners for the past 2 seasons, becoming the Mariners affiliate in the Texas League on September 20, 2016. In two seasons as a Mariners affiliate, the Travs are 123-133, ranking 5th overall in the Texas League. 
"We are extremely pleased to extend our Player Development Contract with the Seattle Mariners for two seasons through 2020," said Travelers President Russ Meeks. "The Mariners are a first class organization with wonderful leadership. Jerry Dipoto and Andy McKay have ensured we have a quality product on the field and outstanding people off the field and in the community."
The 2018 season marked the Travelers 53rd consecutive season in the Texas League, the longest continuously running club in the league.