After 15 seasons as a Class A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays, the Lansing Lugnuts of the Midwest League announced Wednesday that they were invited to join the Oakland Athletics system as a High-A affiliate for the 2021 season.
The Lugnuts have called Lansing home since 1996 and were previously affiliated with the Blue Jays (2005-2020), Chicago Cubs 1999-2004) and Kansas City Royals (1995-98) while in Lansing.
“This would be an exciting move for us, to embark on our 25th season by moving up to High-A,” said Lugnuts owner Tom Dickson in a statement. “Our players work hard every year for a promotion. This year our whole organization may very well be getting a promotion in addition to joining one of Major League Baseball’s storied franchises in the Athletics, with nine World Series titles and a host of greats enshrined in Cooperstown. We look forward to reviewing the terms of the invitation to ensure that we are doing what is best for Lansing and Lugnuts fans.
“We are grateful to the Toronto Blue Jays for their partnership since 2005. Through our 15 seasons with the Blue Jays, the Lugnuts competed at a high level with talented, high-character players, thrilling our fans on their way to building the foundation for the Blue Jays’ future. We are proud to have hosted Bo Bichette, Vladimir Guerrero, Jr. and Cavan Biggio, among so many others, on their way to Major League stardom.”
We are excited to announce that we have invited the Las Vegas Aviators, Midland RockHounds, Lansing Lugnuts, and Stockton Ports to become our minor league affiliates for the 2021 season as part of MLB’s new player development structure.
— Oakland A’s (@Athletics)
In addition, the West Michigan Whitecaps and Great Lakes Looks have also been invited to their affiliation with the Detroit Tigers and Los Angeles Dodgers, respectively.
Breaking: We are excited to receive an invitation from the to be their Advanced A Affiliate!
Read more:
— West Michigan Whitecaps (@wmwhitecaps)
Both the Whitecaps and Loons join the Lugnuts in advancing to the High-A level.
© 2023 - 910 Media Group
