Zephyrs, Marlins extend PDC through 2020

Marlins have been Z's Major League affiliate since 2009

June 23, 2016

The Miami Marlins today announced that the Club has reached an agreement with the New Orleans Zephyrs to extend its Player Development Contract with the Z's through the 2020 season.

The four-year extension was announced by Marlins Vice President of Player Development Marc DelPiano.

"The Miami Marlins are extremely excited about extending and continuing our partnership with the New Orleans Zephyrs," said DelPiano. "We are thankful and honored to be associated with the Zephyrs and the City of New Orleans and look forward to continuing to grow and cultivate our relationship and involvement with the New Orleans community."

The Zephyrs have been Miami's Triple-A affiliate since the 2009 season. Their eight-year association with the Marlins, including 2016, is the longest in Miami history among its Triple-A affiliates, ahead of a six-year run in Albuquerque from 2003-2008.

"We are excited by the opportunity to continue our partnership with the Miami Marlins for the next four seasons," said New Orleans Senior Vice President and General Manager Augusto "Cookie" Rojas. "Our goal is to foster a partnership that provides the Greater New Orleans region, and its fans, an opportunity to witness exceptional players make their way to the Major Leagues through our great ball park.

"We also believe our partnership will extend beyond the playing field and will provide opportunities to contribute to the quality of life for the region through community outreach programs and initiatives with the Marlins. Ultimately, our goal is to have players develop here in New Orleans and contribute to a World Series Championship in Miami."

With today's extension, New Orleans will have the second-longest running PDC in the history of the Marlins' minor league system, behind only their active Single-A club in Greensboro (14th season this year). The Marlins also become the Zephyrs' longest-running affiliation, surpassing an eight-year partnership with the Houston Astros from 1997-2004.

"The support and resources that (owner) Lou Schwechheimer, Cookie Rojas and the Zephyrs have provided is crucial in building a strong foundation for our young players' development," said DelPiano. "This commitment both organizations have shown to each other plays an important role in the success of our players."