The MLB and MiLB have been negotiating for the last six months over a potential agreement that would reduce the number of minor leagues teams across the country from 160 to around 120. This deal would come after the current agreement between the two entities comes to an end following the 2020 calendar year. Reports say that there could be up to 42 teams left without affiliates in 2021.
A New York Times report in November listed 42 minor league teams on a proposed cut list, which would include the Tri-City Dust Devils, the Padres’ short season A affiliate in Pasco, Washington.