After a longstanding relationship between the Marlins and Greensboro dissolved in 2018, the franchise had to secure a new player development contract for their Low-A Minor League Baseball affiliate. It was a blessing in disguise. During the first year of their partnership with the Clinton LumberKings (based in Clinton, Iowa), a handful of young prospects tapped into their potential and produced at career-best rates to merit promotions, while the team itself made a deep playoff run.
But that partnership is in serious jeopardy—the initial Professional Baseball Agreement proposal from Major League Baseball to MiLB calls for Clinton and 41 other small markets to lose their affiliation after the current PBA expires.