Braves invite new, old Minor League affiliates

Atlanta-area fans wanting to watch Braves prospects might now have the option of making the short trek to Augusta, Ga.

As part of Major League Baseball’s restructuring of the player development system, the Braves announced they have invited the Gwinnett Stripers (Triple-A), Mississippi Braves (Double-A), Rome Braves (Class A Advanced) and Augusta GreenJackets (Class A) to serve as their four Minor League affiliates for the 2021 season.

Each of these clubs will need to accept the terms of their invitation. The Braves would be extending the long relationships they already have with Gwinnett, Mississippi and Rome.

While the Mississippi club is located 381 miles from Truist Park in Pearl, Miss., the Gwinnett (36 miles) and Rome (61 miles) clubs both play within a short drive.

The Augusta club plays its home games at SRP Park in North Augusta, S.C., which is 163 miles from Truist Park.

“We are excited to invite these four teams to be part of the Braves' player development system,” Braves executive vice president of Minor League affiliates and strategic planning Chip Moore said. “The potential of having our four affiliates all within Braves Country allows our fans to follow their favorite players as they develop from prospects to Major Leaguers.”

The Braves’ affiliation with the Stripers dates back to 1966, when the club was located in Richmond, Va. Phil Niekro made 17 appearances for Richmond during that inaugural season and Bobby Cox served as the team’s primary third baseman the following year.

Mississippi has served as the Braves’ Double-A affiliate since 2005. Jeff Francoeur and Brian McCann were both part of the first Mississippi club, which was managed by current Atlanta skipper Brian Snitker.

Rome would be making the jump to the Class A Advanced ranks after serving as the Braves’ Class A affiliate since 2003.