PDC signing period opens, but don’t expect any changes

Today marked the “official” opening of PDC free agency, where unattached minor-league affiliates can choose to seek out a new PDC starting in the 2017 season. These agreements are either for two-years or four-years, except in the cases of affiliates owned by their major-league team (which are permanent and do not require renegotiation). All teams have to sign an agreement by September 30, and any who do not sign an agreement will be automatically paired on a two-year deal with a team.

Entering this period, the Brewers have two affiliates who could switch during this period: Triple-A Colorado Springs and High-A Brevard County/Kissimmee. I discussed the situation with these two affiliates last month, but just wanted to take a minute to update the situation on each of them entering the signing period.

At the Triple-A level, it’s become a virtual lock that the Brewers and Colorado Springs will renew for two years. The Brewers one potential option for a switch is now gone, as the Mets renewed their agreement with Las Vegas for two years. That leaves just two other options for the Brewers: Tacoma (PDC with the Mariners) and Toledo (PDC with the Tigers). Because of their proximity to the major-league teams, both will likely renew. It’s not impossible that one could switch to the Brewers, but it will be very hard to get either to change affiliations.

It’s a little more open at the High-A level. Eight PDCs are currently open for this period. I mentioned in the last post that it’s likely Brevard County/Kissimmee and the Brewers will renew, but the Brewers could look to change affiliations if they choose. With several prospects looking to move up to High-A next season, the team that signs with the Brewers could get a nice crop of players in 2017. If a change happens in the affiliates during this period, High-A is the most likely level for it to happen at.

Three other affiliates that the Brewers have PDCs with have already been renewed beyond 2016. The Rookie-league Helena Brewers will stay with the Brewers through 2018, and both Double-A Biloxi and Class-A Wisconsin have extended for the maximum contract length, through 2020.