Carolina Mudcats become Atlanta Braves high-A affiliate

After its contract with the Lynchburg Hillcats expired this season, the Atlanta Braves announced on twitter today that its new high-A minor league affiliate would be the Carolina Mudcats:

Essentially, the Cleveland Indians and Braves traded minor league teams, as the Mudcats were previously with the Indians and will be moving into next season with Lynchburg. The details of minor league team transactions can sound a bit confusing to some–but there’s really not much going on except the players will be in a new uniform and different location.

According to the Gwinnett Daily Post, the Braves and the Mudcats have a agreed to a two-year Player Development Contract which will keep the Braves high-A affiliate in the Carolina League:

"“We are delighted to reach this agreement with the Carolina Mudcats,” Braves president John Schuerholz said. “This move will allow us to continue our long-standing affiliation with the Carolina League.”"

Since I’ve been living in the triangle of North Carolina for essentially all my life, I’m pretty excited for this move. I’ve watched Mudcats games since I was a little kid and will now be able to see Atlanta prospects throughout the minor league season. I can also say with some confidence that the area has a significant Braves fan base and should generate added interest in the team.

The Braves were competing mainly with the Texas Rangers for the Mudcats and Five County Stadium in Zebulon, N.C.