The Las Vegas professional baseball team of the Pacific Coast League (PCL) and the Oakland Athletics, member of the American League West Division, announced today a two-year Player Development Contract (PDC), through the 2020 season. The Team, on September 3, completed their 36th season in the PCL and final campaign as the Triple-A affiliate of the New York Mets.
The Mets purchased Triple-A Syracuse on October 20, 2017 and will begin play in the International League in 2019.
"We are excited to have the Oakland A's as our new Major League affiliate," Team President/COO Don Logan said. "I have known Billy (Beane) for a long time and consider him a friend. The relationship with the A's goes back to the 1990's when they played regular season games in Las Vegas (1996).
"The A's have enjoyed great success at the Triple-A level with their minor league system which has been second to none. The new PDC will provide a tremendous environment for the players with the state-of-the-art amenities that will enhance player development with the indoor hitting cages, mounds and workout areas in the Las Vegas Ballpark. The proximity with the Bay Area to Las Vegas will also provide the opportunity to move players much easier regarding the roster transactions from the Triple-A to the Major League level."
In February 2021, he Aviators agreed to a Player Development License to remain with the A's.