Astros Extend PDC with Class A Quad Cities

HOUSTON, TX - The Houston Astros announced today that the club has extended its Player Development Contract (PDC) with the Class A Quad Cities River Bandits of the Midwest League. The two-year extension continues the affiliation between the Astros and River Bandits through the 2018 season. The announcement was made by Astros General Manager Jeff Luhnow, River Bandits owner Dave Heller and River Bandits General Manager Andrew Chesser at a press conference in Davenport, Iowa, this afternoon. "The Houston Astros and Quad Cities River Bandits have formed a strong partnership which we are excited to continue for years to come," said Luhnow. "Our players and staff benefit from their time in Quad Cities, and we will continue to strive to field competitive teams year in and year out." "The Astros are a first-rate organization from top to bottom, and we at the River Bandits are delighted to continue our relationship with them," said Heller. "They've consistently delivered championship level clubs to the Quad Cities, and they are completely committed to player development. They've been great partners, and they are building a loyal following here in the Quad Cities. We are excited to extend our affiliation with them for another two years." The current partnership between the two clubs began in 2013, although it is their second affiliation. Houston was the Major League affiliate of Quad Cities from 1993-98, during which time the River Bandits had three first-place finishes in a four-year span (1995-98). Since their most recent partnership began, the River Bandits have made the playoffs twice, winning a division title and a Midwest League Championship in 2013. Nine players currently on the Astros Major League roster spent part of their minor league development in Quad Cities, including IF Alex Bregman, SS Carlos Correa, RHP Chris Devenski, RHP Michael Feliz, OF Tony Kemp, RHP Lance McCullers, RHP Joe Musgrove, IF A.J. Reed and IF Tyler White. -ASTROS-