D-backs extend invitations to 4 affiliates

PHOENIX -- The D-backs' Minor League affiliates will likely be different in 2021 as Major League Baseball announced changes to its player development structure on Wednesday.

The D-backs invited Triple-A Reno, Double-A Amarillo, Class A Advanced Hillsboro and Class A Visalia to be their affiliates.

All except for Amarillo had already been D-backs affiliates, with the Sod Poodles replacing Jackson as the organization's Double-A team.

The other change is that instead of being a Short Season team, Hillsboro will be the organization’s full-season Advanced affiliate, with Visalia shifting to Low A, replacing Kane County.

“We are proud of our long-standing partnerships in Reno, Visalia and Hillsboro,” said D-backs general manager Mike Hazen. “We are also looking forward to bringing Amarillo into the mix as we continue to stress the importance of player development throughout the organization.”

Reno will be entering its 13th season as a D-backs affiliate in 2021, while it will be Hillsboro’s ninth and 21st year overall dating back to when the team was located in Yakima, Wash. Visalia has been an affiliate since 2007.

The D-backs will also continue to field teams in the Arizona League (Rookie) and Dominican Summer League.