After the Houston Astros ended their partnership with the Round Rock Express, the team has become the new Triple-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers, according to a Dec. 9 statement by Round Rock Express President Chris Almendarez.

The Express previously spent eight seasons, from 2011-18, as the Rangers' Triple-A affiliate, Almendarez said. Per the statement, the Round Rock Express have been recognized by Major League Baseball “as one of the top 30 Triple-A markets.”

The Express will be one of four minor league affiliates for the Texas Rangers during the 2021 season.

The Texas Rangers’ new affiliate teams include:
  • The Round Rock Express as the Triple-A affiliate;
  • The Frisco RoughRiders as the Double-A affiliate;
  • The Hickory Crawdads as the High-A affiliate; and
  • The Down East Wood Ducks as the Low-A affiliate.
The next step for the Round Rock Express will be to review updated governing documents from the MLB.

The Astros announced the Sugar Land Skeeters as their new Triple-A franchise Nov. 20.