The Angels and Salt Lake Bees announced today that the two organizations have signed a two-year Player Development Contract extension that will keep the Bees as the Triple-A affiliate of the Angels through the 2020 season. The announcement was made by Angels General Manager Billy Eppler and Bees General Manager Mark Amicone.
"We are very excited to be able to continue our relationship with the Bees franchise as well as the fans in Salt Lake City," said Eppler. "We would also like to thank Marc Amicone and his staff for their efforts in this process. Salt Lake has been a first class affiliate for the Angels organization for the last 17 years and we look forward to continuing our longest running minor league partnership in the years to come."
The Angels have been the parent club of the Bees since 2001. In its 17 years as an Angels affiliate, the Bees have won five division titles (2002, '06, '07, '08, '13) and have reached the Pacific Coast League Finals twice (2002 and 2013).
"To continue this affiliation is extremely special," Amicone said. "We have enjoyed our part in developing Major League stars for the Angels and look forward to seeing more great players pass through Salt Lake over the next four seasons."
Fourteen members of the Angels Opening Day active roster have spent time with Salt Lake during their time in the Halos organization, including Mike Trout, Kole Calhoun and Garrett Richards. Former Angels All-Stars to have played with Salt Lake include Jered Weaver, Erick Aybar, Howie Kendrick, Mark Trumbo, Ervin Santana, John Lackey and Francisco Rodriguez.
The Bees are the highest-level affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels, followed by the Mobile BayBears (AA), Inland Empire 66ers (A Advanced), Burlington Bees (A), Orem Owlz (rookie), Arizona League Angels (rookie) and Dominican Summer League Angels (rookie).