CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa -- The Cedar Rapids Kernels are pleased to announce the signing of a four-year Player Development Contract (PDC) with the Minnesota Twins. The contract will run through the end of the 2016 season.

"The entire Twins organization is thrilled to join into partnership with the Cedar Rapids Kernels, and we look forward to working with the Kernels organization on the field and in the community," said Jim Rantz, senior director of Minor Leagues with the Twins.

"The Kernels have an outstanding reputation throughout professional baseball and the Twins are excited to bring our players and staff to Perfect Game Field at Veterans Memorial Stadium for the 2013 season. We are confident that this relationship will grow into one of the strongest affiliations in Minor League baseball."

Kernels president, Gary Keoppel said, "We are very excited to begin a new chapter in Kernels baseball with our agreement with the Twins. Our fans have expressed their desires for an affiliation with a Midwest team and now that has happened."

The announcement took place at a press conference at Perfect Game Field. In addition to Rantz, executives Bill Smith, assistant to the president and GM, and Brad Steil, director of baseball operations, represented the Twins organization.

The Cedar Rapids Kernels open the 2013 Midwest League Season at home on Thursday, April 4, against the Beloit Snappers at 6:35 pm. Season ticket packages and 10-game anytime coupon books for the 2013 season are on sale now. Individual game tickets for the 2013 season will go on sale to the general public on Monday, March 18, at 10 a.m.

The Kernels main office is open from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Friday during the offseason. More information can also be found on the Kernels website at www.kernels.com, or through the Kernels' social media sites on Facebook and also on Twitter.