51s Announce Two-Year Extension with the Mets!
LAS VEGAS: The Las Vegas 51s professional baseball team of the Pacific Coast League (PCL) and the 2015 National League Champion New York Mets, member of the National League East, announced today a two-year extension of their Player Development Contract (PDC), maintaining the two teams' affiliation through the 2018 season.
The 51s and Mets originally signed the PDC on September 17, 2012 and then renewed on August 28, 2014. Las Vegas is completing its 34th season in the Silver State as a member of the PCL.
"The Mets have been a great affiliate for us in Las Vegas over the past four seasons," 51s President/COO Don Logan said. "They have a tremendous farm system and the fans in Las Vegas have seen many of the Mets young stars play here at Cashman Field. Also, having Wally Backman as our manager over the past four years has been an added bonus.
"We are familiar with the front office personnel with the Mets. I've known Sandy Alderson (Mets GM) for over 30 years and have worked with J.P. Ricciardi (Special Assistant to the GM), and Terry Collins (Manager). They are all very familiar with Las Vegas from the time they spent here with other organizations as well as with the Mets. We are excited to extend our PDC with the Mets through the 2018 season."
The Mets have promoted many players from Triple-A Las Vegas during the tenure of the PDC (2013-16) and the most notable players include: Eric Campbell (INF/OF), Travis d'Arnaud (catcher), Lucas Duda (infielder), Jacob deGrom (pitcher, 2014 N.L. Rookie of the Year), Jeurys Familia (pitcher), Wilmer Flores (infielder), Dilson Herrera (infielder), Juan Lagares (outfielder, 2014 Rawlings Gold Glove Winner), Steven Matz (pitcher), Rafael Montero (pitcher), Kirk Nieuwenhuis (outfielder), Kevin Plawecki (catcher), Hansel Robles (pitcher), Noah Syndergaard (pitcher), Carlos Torres (pitcher) and Zack Wheeler (pitcher).
"We are excited about continuing our partnership with the Las Vegas 51s and the city of Las Vegas, one which values equally player development, winning and community involvement," Mets General Manager Sandy Alderson said.
In 2015, the Mets advanced to the World Series for the first time in 15 years (2000). A total of 11 players on the World Series 25-man roster played with Triple-A Las Vegas from 2013-15.
In 2016, 13 players have been promoted to the Mets from Triple-A Las Vegas (who began the season in the minor leagues): Josh Edgin (pitcher), Sean Gilmartin (pitcher), Erik Goeddel (pitcher), Robert Gsellman (pitcher), Ty Kelly (INF/OF), Seth Lugo (pitcher), Montero, Brandon Nimmo (outfielder), Matt Reynolds (infielder), Rene Rivera (catcher), T.J. Rivera (infielder), Josh Smoker (pitcher), Gabriel Ynoa (pitcher).
Las Vegas Triple-A Affiliation History:
San Diego Padres, 18 seasons (1983-2000), 1,227-1,329 (.480), 7 playoff appearances
Los Angeles Dodgers, 8 seasons (2001-08), 561-586 (.489), 1 playoff appearance
Toronto Blue Jays, 4 seasons (2009-2012), 287-288 (.499), 0 playoff appearances
New York Mets, 4 seasons (2013-present), 305-264 (.536), 2 playoff appearances (2013 & 2014)
ALL-TIME RECORD: 2,379-2,467 (.491)
The 51s, under manager Wally Backman, will conclude the 2016 regular season with an eight-game road trip at El Paso, Texas, against the Chihuahuas from August 29 - September 1 and at Salt Lake City, Utah, against the Bees over Labor Day Weekend from September 2-5.
2017 Season tickets and mini-plan packages (11, 22, 36-game plans) are available by calling the 51s office at (702) 943-7200.
Official licensed 51s team merchandise is available on the "Team Shop" section of the website.