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For 28 seasons total and for 14 since the Washington Nationals have been back in the nation’s capital, the Harrisburg Senators have been the Nats’ Double-A affiliate. Harrisburg, PA is, of course, conveniently located about two hours (120 miles) from D.C., as the Nationals noted in a press release this afternoon announcing a two-year extension of the organizations’ Player Development Contract.
“Dating back nearly 30 years – the Harrisburg Senators have been a valuable component of our player development system,” Nationals’ GM Mike Rizzo said in the press release.
“From a baseball standpoint,” Rizzo continued, “City Island serves as a breeding ground for some of our organization’s most talented players.”
“We are thrilled to be extending our relationship with not only the Harrisburg Senators organization, but with the entire community of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania,” Assistant GM and Vice President of Player Personnel Doug Harris added.
“They have shown tremendous dedication to helping groom our organization’s next wave of Major League talent.”
Harrisburg’s Team President Kevin Kulp said the Senators were equally excited about continuing the relationship.
Nationals’ State of the Union address with General Manager Mike Rizzo:
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LINK: Mike Rizzo talks Nationals’ roster needs on MLB Network Radio...
“This is a really exciting day,” Kulp said. “We are very excited to continue our partnership with the Nationals. They are a first class organization and are everything you’d ever want in a Major League Affiliate.”
The Nationals announced earlier this winter that Matt LeCroy will be returning as the Senators’ skipper for a third season as the manager in Harrisburg.
In August of 2016, the Nationals announced an extension of their Player Development Contract with the Low-A Hagerstown Suns which extends through 2018. A month later, the contract with the New York/Penn League’s Auburn Doubledays was extended through 2018 as well.
After this season, the Nationals will have to find a new Triple-A affiliate, after the New York Mets and Syracuse Chiefs reached a deal that will make them the Triple-A affiliate of the Nationals’ NL East rivals.