South Bend Cubs Owner ‘Making an Argument’ to Become Org’s AAA Affiliate
South Bend has played host to a minor league affiliate for decades, but their relationships with the White Sox and Diamondbacks weren’t nearly as lucrative as the current deal with the Cubs. After starting out as a Low-A club in 2015, they moved up to High-A in 2021 as part of a larger restructuring of the minor leagues. With another round of renovations to Four Winds Field making it an even more exciting destination for baseball fans, team owner Andrew Berlin has his sights set on an even bigger promotion.
New sign ✅ Fresh concrete ✅ Excitement building ✅ #SBCubs #ConstructionUpdate pic.twitter.com/pLHBgXkwXN
— South Bend Cubs (@SBCubs) March 18, 2025
“If we behave like a Triple-A team – we’ll attract more fans,” Berlin said recently. “The more professional we are, the better the presentation and the more comfortable the surroundings. And most importantly, whether or not our players are developing quickly and effectively and developing well to become candidates for a world-series team – ultimately that is the number one reason why we exist.”
No move could be made until at least the 2031 season due to existing affiliate contracts, but Berlin said he’s “dreaming” of becoming the last stop for Cubs prospects on their way to Chicago. That means he’s “making an argument” for South Bend to replace Iowa in that regard, and he may have a strong case. Not only does his minority stake in the parent organization give him Tom Ricketts’ ear, but South Bend’s proximity to Chicago offers a built-in advantage.
More Parking in 2025 🚗
The South Bend Cubs are adding new lots for the upcoming season.
Plus, advanced reserved parking options are available.
LEARN MORE: https://t.co/fB6k4vyX70 pic.twitter.com/EvnjxKJOs7— South Bend Cubs (@SBCubs) March 25, 2025
Cutting four hours off the driving time and making the commute about the same as a flight from Des Moines would make it easier for prospects and rehabbing veterans alike. But that doesn’t mean it’s a done deal by any stretch. The I-Cubs have a tremendous following and a long history as a Triple-A affiliate, so it’d be a very tough decision to change even though they’d surely maintain a great deal of support even hosting a lower level.
We can’t overlook Knoxville in all of this either. The Double-A Smokies are in their new home this year after moving west from Kodak, where they’d been for many years. Myrtle Beach has likewise enjoyed a big bump from their tie to the Cubs after being affiliated with the Rangers previously, but the Pelicans are unlikely to move back up from Low-A. That said, the Cubs could still reshuffle multiple affiliates over the next few years. As interesting as that would be, we’ll probably have to wait a while to find out whether Berlin’s dream becomes a reality.
