Sacramento River Cats say they ‘are not going anywhere’ amid Oakland A’s relocation talks

Amid the speculation about the Oakland A’s setting up shop for a few seasons outside of the Bay Area, perhaps even in West Sacramento, one thing has become clear.

The Sacramento River Cats are staying put. They will remain a fixture in a region that has long prided itself as a baseball town.

Sutter Health Park has been home for the Triple-A franchise since 2000, and as the franchise celebrates its 25th season here, River Cats general manager Chip Maxson assured that the immediate focus is on this club and no one else. The River Cats will play their season opener against the Salt Lake Bees at 6:45 p.m. Friday.

The A’s lease in Oakland expires at the end of this coming season, casting doubt on where the club will reside starting in 2025. A’s executives have kicked the tires on other venues in other cities and states for up to a three-year stop before the likely move to Las Vegas. The River Cats’ pristine venue could house the A’s temporarily, certainly, though that doesn’t mean the team would relocate to make it happen.

The plan, Maxson said, is to play 75 home games this season, next season and for many years to come as the feeder to the San Francisco Giants. The River Cats have an agreement to be the Giants affiliate through 2030. The partnership between the River Cats and Giants is strong, Maxson said.

Maxson cut the ribbon to a revamped and sparkling new clubhouse located beyond the outfield fence, making a gem of a facility even more of a crown jewel.

“It’s certainly an unprecedented situation,” Maxson said of the uncertainty involving the A’s. “But we’re here and we’re excited to open up this new facility for the River Cats today, and I know they’re excited to be here. We had a soft opening on Sunday hosting the Giants for an exhibition game, and there’s one thing we know for sure: We know the Giants players and Triple-A players are going to be here for a long time and we want to make sure that we have the best possible facilities.”

Maxson added: “The River Cats are not going anywhere. That’s one thing we want to communicate. We are Sacramento’s team. We’re not going anywhere. If someone else were to play here, we made it clear that we want to make sure we play all 75 home games for the River Cats here.”

Three things to ponder this River Cats season:

Schmitt, Black are top prospects

▪ Third baseman Casey Schmitt showed that he could play in the big leagues last season, recording more total bases in his first three games than any player in Giants history, and then he homered twice against the Dodgers in the final game of the season. What happened in between was a glimpse of the highs and lows of the sport. The 25-year-old Schmitt sparkled, then struggled, and then showed promise. He was demoted, promoted and batted .206.

“I’m excited to be here, a great place, and I can only control what I can control,” Schmitt said.

▪ Right-handed pitcher Mason Black may well end up as the fifth starter for the Giants, but he will start the season in Triple-A. He’s a third-round draft choice out of Lehigh, a scholar in high school in Pennsylvania and in college. He has called himself a “proud nerd”, smiling at the notion on Wednesday.

Black was an honors student in mathematics and has a degree in bioengineering. For now, his life is baseball, a late-bloomer who was a catcher until his junior year in high school. He was a third-round pick of the Giants in 2021 and has gone 10-13 in the minors.

▪ Right-handed pitcher Carson Seymour looks more like an NFL tight end at 6-foot-6 and 260 pounds. He was a sixth-round pick of the New York Mets in 2021 out of Kansas State. He has recorded 253 strikeouts in two minor league seasons.

Rich River Cats history

The River Cats have largely been a winner since their arrival from Vancouver and all indications suggest the good times will continue. Fans have a chance to watch future Major League players develop, or rehab an injury, and to go home with a victory.

The River Cats since 2000 have won 12 division titles, seven conference championships, five Pacific Coast League banners and three Triple-A championships, the last in 2019. It’s all on display on one of the outfield fences.

Fun at the yard

The River Cats have set a standard for good wholesome fun at the park for all ages, including theme nights such as Luau Night or a salute to Armed Forces.

Other examples:

▪ Sunday Funday: Fans can get autographs and kids can run the bases after the game at a slow trot or a full sprint.

▪ Tuesday Family Value Night: $2 hot dogs, ice cream and more.

▪ Wet Nose Wednesday: Fans can bring their dogs in for free.

▪ Thirsty Thursday: Live music and a vast menu of drink options.

▪ Firework Friday and Saturday: Features discounted family packs and a postgame fireworks show.

For the complete schedule and promotional events, visit the River Cats website.