Reds, Triple-A Louisville agree to 2-year extension
Original player development contract with affiliate was to end after 2016 season
CINCINNATI -- The Reds and Triple-A Louisville announced on Wednesday that they agreed to a two-year extension of their player development contract. The original affiliate agreement was to end following the 2016 season.
Louisville and the Reds have been partnered since the 2000 season. The Bats play their games at Louisville Slugger Field in the city's downtown.
"Since 2000 we have had a great relationship with the Bats and their front office, and we are pleased to be able to extend our PDC with them," Reds general manager Walt Jocketty said in a statement. "Our players tell us they enjoy living and playing in Louisville because the front office staff, ballpark and fan base are some of the best in the Minor Leagues."
Located about 90 minutes south of Cincinnati and Great American Ball Park, Louisville has been the last rung of development for many of the team's current stars, including Joey Votto, Jay Bruce, Homer Bailey, Todd Frazier, Devin Mesoraco and Billy Hamilton.