Birmingham Barons Asked To Remain White Sox Affiliate

BIRMINGHAM, AL — The Birmingham Barons were asked to continue serve as the Double-A minor league affiliate of the Chicago White Sox after an announcement from Chicago Wednesday. Birmingham has been affiliated with the White Sox since 1986.

Major League Baseball is in the process of revising its partnership with Minor League Baseball, and announced Wednesday that 119 teams have been invited by big league teams to be affiliates. This leaves as many as 43 MiLB teams cut from MLB affiliation.

"We are extremely fortunate to enjoy strong and productive existing relationships with each of our four affiliates in Charlotte, Birmingham, Winston-Salem and Kannapolis," White Sox player-development director Chris Getz said in a statement Wednesday. "Issuing a license invitation to these four outstanding baseball communities is an important first step in Major League Baseball’s process of reshaping the player-development system."

Birmingham is the longest-tenured affiliate in White Sox history.

“We’re excited and honored to receive the White Sox invitation to continue our partnership and look forward to reviewing the terms,” said Jonathan Nelson, president and general manager of the Barons. “Over the years the Chicago White Sox have provided many great players and teams who have entertained our fans and positively impacted the Birmingham community.”

“The Barons have enjoyed a great history in Birmingham for over 100 years and specifically for the last 34 years with the Chicago White Sox,” said Randall Woodfin, mayor of Birmingham. “White Sox players and coaches have positively impacted our community for many years, and we’re proud that our own Regions Field is recognized as one of the top ballparks in America. We’re also excited that the White Sox have extended an invitation to continue their AA affiliation with the Birmingham Barons for years to come.”

The Rocket City Trash Pandas in Madison were asked to remain the Double-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels and the Montgomery Biscuits were asked to stay with the Tampa Bay Rays Wednesday.