The Kansas City Royals announced today that they have extended their development contract with the Wilmington Blue Rocks through the 2018 season. Wilmington (DE) is Kansas City's Full-Season, Single-A affiliate in the Carolina League and have partnered with the Royals annually since 2007. Wilmington was also a Royals' affiliate from 1993-2004.
"We are delighted to maintain our wonderful relationship with the World Series Champion Royals," Blue Rocks managing partner and CEO of Main Street Baseball Dave Heller said. "They are a first-class organization comprised of great people who genuinely treat their affiliates as part of the Royals' family, and they have demonstrated a true commitment to player development."
"We are fortunate to have developed a strong working relationship with Dave Heller and the team in Wilmington over the past two years and appreciate their commitment to providing a great environment for our players," Royals Senior Vice President of Baseball Operations/General Manager Dayton Moore said.
With Wilmington's contract extended, all of the Royals' minor league affiliates are under contract through the 2018 season. They include: Omaha (AAA), Northwest Arkansas (AA), Wilmington (A), Lexington (A), Idaho Falls (Rookie), Burlington (Rookie) and Surprise (Rookie).