SEATTLE -- The Mariners' relationship with the Class A Everett AquaSox franchise will continue through at least 2020 as the club announced a four-year extension of their player developmental contract on Wednesday.
The current deal was set to run out at the end of this season.
"The Mariners are excited to be able to extend our relationship with the AquaSox," Mariners director of player development Andy McKay said. "We are in a unique situation having our Northwest affiliate so close to Seattle.
"The city of Everett and the AquaSox fanbase have always been great supporters of our Minor Leaguers and the entire Mariners organization. We are looking forward to continuing to bring a great brand of baseball to the area for years to come."
Everett finished the regular season with the Northwest League's best record in the second half (27-11) and the second-best overall record (45-31). The club was set to open the playoffs on Wednesday night against Spokane, but that game was rained out. They will instead play Game 1 of the series in Spokane on Thursday and then play Game 2 on Friday at Safeco Field.
The AquaSox have been associated with the Mariners for 22 seasons, becoming the club's affiliate in the Northwest League in 1994 while playing at Everett Memorial Stadium, about 30 miles north of Seattle.
The current Everett roster includes a number of the team's top 2016 Draft picks, including infielder Bryson Brigman (third round), left-hander Thomas Burrows (fourth), infielder Donnie Walton (fifth), right-hander Brandon Miller (sixth), right-hander Matt Festa (seventh), infielder Nick Zammarelli (eighth), infielder/outfielder David Greer (10th) and outfielder Eric Filia (20th).
Filia, who won the league's batting title, was named Most Valuable Player on the Northwest League Post-Season All-Star Team and was MiLB.com Northwest League Player of the Month for August.
Filia, a 24-year-old out of UCLA, put up a .362/.450/.496 line in 68 games.