Minor league baseball leaders San Antonio Missions have announced their plans to extend the player development contact (PDC) with the San Diego Padres through the 2018 season. Officials from both sides have come out to confirm and stand behind the move, adding that the partnership will be mutually beneficial for both parties.

As a San Diego Double-A affiliate over the last 10 seasons, the Missions have been to the playoffs a total of 5 times, and won the Texas League Championship in 2007, 2011 and 2013. The Missions finished the second half of the 2016 season with a 36-34 close, but missed out on the post season. Three of the season’s star players – SS Jose Rondon, Jake Smith and RHPs Cesar Vargas – earned a trip to San Diego. The PDC has seen many padres make the move to San Antonio, as well as up to 75 Missions finding a new home in San Diego.

The Missions will be facing Northwest Arkansas Naturals in Springdale, AR in their kick off to the 112th season on April 6, 2017.

Get the full article here.