March 14, 2018

By Jesse Goldberg-Strassler

Lansing Lugnuts

LANSING, Mich. - The Lansing Lugnuts and Toronto Blue Jays are proud to announce a two-year extension to their Player Development Contract, keeping the Blue Jays' Single-A affiliate in Michigan's state capital through the end of 2020.

"We feel strongly about continuing our partnership with the Lansing Lugnuts," said Blue Jays Director of Player Development Gil Kim. "The renovated Cooley Law School Stadium presents one of the top facilities and playing surfaces in Minor League Baseball. When our players arrive in Lansing, they are welcomed by the Lugnuts organization and the city of Lansing, and begin playing in front of a passionate fan base. These are all valuable development experiences as they continue to get better every day and progress to Toronto."

"Our relationship with the Blue Jays has brought us over 900 wins, over 60 future Major Leaguers, three Midwest League Most Valuable Players and countless inspiring memories for our fans," said Lugnuts President Nick Grueser. "We're excited to continue our affiliation with Toronto and look forward to many more successful seasons ahead."

The Lugnuts are coming off a season in which teenage phenoms Vladimir Guerrero, Jr. and Bo Bichette established themselves among the top prospects in baseball. Bichette won the MiLB batting crown and was named the Midwest League's MVP and Prospect of the Year, while Guerrero, Jr. enters 2018 rated Baseball America's No. 3 prospect in baseball.

The 2018 Lansing Lugnuts, led by second-year manager César Martín, open an All- Star Summer with an Opening Day Block Party on Saturday, April 7, vs. the Great Lakes Loons. The Midwest League All-Star Game presented by LAFCU arrives in Lansing on Tuesday, June 19 - the first midsummer classic in Mid Michigan in 16 years.