Explaining The New Triple-A East Entering The 2021 Minor League Season

The mammoth, 20-team Triple-A East League incorporates all 14 of the franchises from the old Triple-A International League and adds six clubs from various sources.

Four franchises come from what was the Triple-A Pacific Coast League, though the Midwest-based Iowa, Memphis, Nashville and Omaha clubs were always imperfect fits for the PCL, which absorbed several Triple-A American Association franchises in 1998 following the dissolution of the AA. Triple-A East is rounded out by St. Paul, a formerly independent franchise joining affiliated ball, and Jacksonville, which previously operated at Double-A.

Because of its sheer number of teams, Triple-A East League members will play schedules concentrated with the same six regional opponents—or pods—in 2021.

* Relocated from Pawtucket

WHAT’S NEW?

• Worcester begins its first season as Boston’s Triple-A affiliate at newly constructed Polar Park.
• The Twins’ affiliation with St. Paul, formerly of the independent American Association, is the ultimate marriage of convenience. It is a 15-minute drive between ballparks.
• Jacksonville retains its Marlins affiliation as it moves from Double-A to Triple-A. The franchise operated in the Triple-A International League from 1962 to 1968.
• Nashville switches affiliations from the Rangers to Brewers, while Rochester changes from Twins to Nationals.

2022 Freitas Awards: St. Paul Saints (Triple-A)

The Twins’ Triple-A affiliate has found a minor league niche in a major league market.