Modesto Nuts, Seattle Mariners Announce Partnership

The Modesto Nuts Professional Baseball Club and the Seattle Mariners have signed a 4-year player development contract (PDC) effective October 1, 2016.

 

In addition to the 4-year PDC, the Mariners will also become the majority owner of the franchise, thus ensuring a long-term relationship between the Nuts and Mariners.

 

"I think this is a great day for the Nuts, the City of Modesto and all baseball fans in the Stanislaus County area," said Michael Savit, Managing Partner of HWS Baseball IV, LLC, which has owned and managed the team since 2005. "The Mariners are a great organization, and the commitment they are making to the franchise says a great deal about Modesto and its baseball future. We couldn't be happier about partnering with the Mariners."

 

"The Mariners are committed to a strong minor league system," said Mariners Director of Player Development Andy McKay. "That commitment, coupled with our desire to remain in the California League and the great opportunity to be affiliated with the Nuts and the city and fans of Modesto, has led us to this partnership. We are looking forward to many, many years of success here in Modesto."

 

The partnership is the second of its kind in the California League. The San Francisco Giants are the majority owners of the San Jose Giants franchise.

 

The Nuts had been affiliated with the Colorado Rockies since the 2005 season. The Mariners were most recently affiliated with the Bakersfield Blaze.

 

The 2017 season begins on Thursday, April 6th when the Nuts travel to Lake Elsinore to begin the franchise's first season as a Mariners affiliate. The home opener at John Thurman Field is scheduled for Thursday, April 13th against the Lancaster JetHawks.