HOUSTON -- The Astros have closed a transaction to buy a Minor League franchise in Fayetteville, N.C., of the Carolina League, where they will move their Class A Advanced affiliate starting next season, team president of business operations Reid Ryan said.
The Astros' franchise in the Carolina League, which doesn't yet have a name, will replace their affiliation with the Lancaster JetHawks, who recently announced a player development contract with the Rockies. The California League contracted franchises in High Desert and Bakersfield at the end of the season, and two new franchises were awarded in Fayetteville and Kinston, N.