The Spokane Indians reached an agreement with the Texas Rangers on a two-year player development contract, the team announced Saturday.

The teams’ previous contract was set to expire after this season. Spokane has been Texas’ short-season Single A affiliate since 2003.

“We’ve wanted to continue it, that was a priority for us to stay with the Rangers,” said Otto Klein, senior vice president of the Indians.

At the end of the latest two-year contract, the Rangers will become the longest-tenured parent club in the Indians’ history.

Klein said the playing surface and atmosphere at Avista Stadium was something the Rangers’ valued in their partnership with the Indians.

Mike Daly, the Rangers’ senior director of minor league operations, says he’s been pleased with Spokane’s role in Texas’ farm system and said the organizations players look forward to the call-up to Spokane.

“It’s a real important step,” he said. It’s a step that a lot of our players enjoy. It’s a real challenging step, for younger guys especially.

“For a lot of guys, their first professional game is in Spokane. A lot of times it’s their first night game and their first game in front of fans.”