BOSTON, MA – In conjunction with Major League Baseball’s new Minor League player development structure, the Red Sox today invited the following clubs for continued professional affiliation: the Worcester Red Sox (AAA), Portland Sea Dogs (AA), Greenville Drive (A Adv.), and Salem Red Sox (A).

“We are pleased that Worcester, Portland, Greenville, and Salem have been invited to continue their affiliation and will remain part of the extended Red Sox family,” said Red Sox President & CEO Sam Kennedy. “Our farm system is an essential component in our work to create a more consistent and efficient operation that helps us play October baseball each and every year. We thank our affiliates for the significant role they play in shaping our future stars, and look forward to continuing our relationship under MLB’s improved player development structure.”

“We are very pleased to be invited to enter into a long-term agreement with the Boston Red Sox,” said Dr. Charles Steinberg, President of the Worcester Red Sox. “In this, the deep depths of December, we all long to see the next generation of Red Sox stars take the field and bring us joy.”

“We thank the Red Sox for continuing to place their trust in us and going forward, to giving our amazing fans more opportunities to see future big-league stars in action, right here in Portland,” said Portland Sea Dogs President & General Manager Geoff Iacuessa. “We appreciate the Red Sox commitment to the Sea Dogs, the city of Portland, and the state of Maine.”

“Since the inaugural season of the Greenville Drive in 2006 our success has been built upon strong partnerships,” said Greenville Drive Owner & President Craig Brown. “Our most important partnership has been with the Boston Red Sox. We have had the privilege of being part of Major League Baseball’s most storied organization for close to two decades, with our fans witnessing more than 90 players realizing their dreams by making it to the big leagues and playing for World Championships. We eagerly anticipate the return of baseball to Fluor Field this spring and welcoming the next group of Red Sox stars while we continue to build upon our unique partnership with the Boston Red Sox for years to come.”

“We are delighted by our continued affiliation with the Boston Red Sox, one of MLB’s premiere organizations,” said Salem Red Sox Managing Director Jeff White. “A more than decade-long partnership with the City of Salem, the entire Roanoke valley community, and the loyal employees of the Salem Sox continues. In this most difficult of times, it’s a sign of continuity and hope, welcomed by all.”