Wood Ducks are part of the Low-A East League, which features 7 former Carolina League teams

Kinston, North Carolina – Earlier today, Major League Baseball (MLB) announced that all 120 Minor League Clubs offered an invitation to become Professional Development League (PDL) license holders have officially agreed to accept. The licenses will create many improvements to the experience and lifestyle of Minor League players, such as:

· Player salary increases ranging from 38-72% for the 2021 season

· Modernized facility standards better suited for professional athletes

· Improved amenities and working conditions for players and staff

· Reduced in-season travel for players and coaches

· Better geographical alignment

A big part of MLB’s announcement was the realignment of the 120 teams. Each MLB Club will now only have four affiliates – one at each of the Triple-A, Double-A, High-A and Low-A levels. Many Minor League affiliates will be in significantly closer geographical proximity to the MLB Club with which they are associated. On average, Major League Clubs will now be over 200 miles closer to their Triple-A affiliates.

The Down East Wood Ducks are part of the new 12-team Low-A East League. Wood Duck fans will see alot of familiar teams as 7 of the 12 clubs move over from the former Carolina League. The league is divided into 3 Divisions of 4 teams each. Here is a look at the Low-A East teams, their MLB Club and the divisions.

Affiliate MLB Club Division

Carolina Mudcats Milwaukee Brewers Central

Down East Wood Ducks Texas Rangers Central

Fayetteville Woodpeckers Houston Astros Central

Kannapolis Cannon Ballers Chicago White Sox Central

Delmarva Shorebirds Baltimore Orioles North

*Fredericksburg Nationals Washington Nationals North

Lynchburg Hillcats Cleveland Indians North

Salem Red Sox Boston Red Sox North

Augusta GreenJackets Atlanta Braves South

Charleston RiverDogs Tampa Bay Rays South

Columbia Fireflies Kansas City Royals South

Myrtle Beach Pelicans Chicago Cubs South

*Fredericksburg is the former Potomac Nationals. They had moved before the start of the 2020 season.

MLB is expected to release additional information about the 2021 season, including the schedule, in the near future.

For more information, contact Wade Howell at 214-766-3237 or at [email protected].