Major League/Minor League Affiliation Information

The Syracuse Chiefs have been affiliated with the Toronto Blue Jays since 1978 and are the only triple-A affiliate the Toronto organization has ever had. The Chiefs' working agreement with the Blue Jays is set to expire following the 2008 season leading to much public speculation.

Here is a list of common questions that the Chiefs' front office has received regarding the affiliation process under which Major and Minor League clubs enter into Player Development Contracts ("PDC"). All of the answers listed below have been provided by the Minor League Baseball office.

Q: When can a Major League and Minor League club who are parties to an agreement renew that agreement?
A: The parties can agree to extend a PDC at any time during its term.

Q: What is the term of a PDC?
A: A PDC between a Major and Minor League club is for a minimum of two years and may be extended in two-year increments.

Q: When can Major and Minor League clubs that are not currently affiliated begin talking to each other?
A: The Major and Minor League clubs that give notice that they intend to discuss a possible new affiliation may begin such discussions on September 16 (note: due to the Bricktown Showdown, this date is September 18 for triple-A clubs). Any discussion or comments before that date may constitute tampering that could subject the club to fines or other penalties. The time to give notice begins on the first day following the close of the regular season (this year September 2) and concludes on September 11.

Q: When is the deadline to sign a new PDC?
A: If a new PDC is not signed by September 30 the Commissioner of Baseball and President of Minor League Baseball will assign a PDC by October 7.

Q: Can a club with a PDC this season be left without an affiliate at the end of the process?
A: No.

Q: Can a Major or Minor League club offer a benefit (money, exhibition games, etc.) in exchange for entering into a PDC?
A: No. All PDC terms are the same and clubs are prohibited from promising economic benefits including exhibition games.

Q: Can a PDC be terminated early?
A: Only in limited circumstances, and usually only if another club is willing to switch.

Q: What penalties can be imposed on clubs that violate the rules?
A: Penalties include fines of up to $100,000 for Minor League clubs and $500,000 for Major League clubs.

Q: Is there a public list of PDCs and when they expire?
A: No, this is not public information.

Q: Why won't Minor League clubs talk about Major League teams they would like to have as their PDC affiliate?
A: Because these kind of comments can constitute tampering and lead to serious penalties.

Note: This Q & A is for informational purposes only. All issues relating to PDCs and the affiliation process are governed by the applicable baseball rules and in the event of any variation between answers presented here and the rules, the rules would govern.