MLB announces more details on St. Paul Saints Triple-A debut as Twins affiliate

On Friday, Major League Baseball has announced that the St. Paul Saints will join the Triple-A East League in the Midwest Division, marking their first year in Minor League Baseball.

The Saints will compete with the Columbus Clippers (Indians), Indianapolis Indians (Pirates), Iowa Cubs (Cubs), Louisville Bats (Reds), Omaha Storm Chasers (Royals), and Toledo Mud Hens (Tigers) in the Midwest Division.

While the Saints are one of three Independent Professional Baseball teams to join affiliated baseball this year, three former Pacific Coast League teams (now known as Triple-A West) have joined the Triple-A East League: Iowa Cubs, Omaha Storm Chasers and Nashville Sounds.

With the recent realignment in the MLB, many Minor League affiliates are significantly closer to their Major League parent clubs. In fact, the Saints are the closest at about 10.6 miles from CHS Field to Target Field. On average, Major League clubs are over 200 miles closer to their Triple-A affiliates, according to the team.

Twins invite St. Paul Saints, 3 other teams to become minor league affiliate

After signing their Player Development License on Wednesday, the Saints are the Twins’ Triple-A affiliate for at least the next 10 years. The licenses signed by all 120 affiliates will create many improvements to the experience and lifestyle of Minor League players, which includes modernized facilities, reduced in-season travel and better geographical alignment.

While the Triple-A East League has 20 teams, the Triple-A West League has 10, split into two divisions.

For more information on the changes happening in Major League and Minor League Baseball, click here.