Houston Astros prospects assigned to the Midwest League will continue to play their home games at Modern Woodmen Park through the 2018 season. (Photo by Craig Wieczorkiewicz/The Midwest League Traveler)

The Quad Cities River Bandits and the Houston Astros have agreed to a two-year extension of their player development contract, keeping their affiliation intact through the 2018 season.

The extension was announced Tuesday at a joint press conference at Modern  Woodmen Park, with River Bandits owner Dave Heller and Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow among the attendees.

“The Houston Astros and Quad Cities River Bandits have formed a strong partnership which we are excited to continue for years to come,” Luhnow said. “Our players and staff benefit from their time in Quad Cities, and we will continue to strive to field competitive teams year in and year out.”

The River Bandits’ current affiliation with the Astros began after the 2012 season, when Houston returned to the Midwest League after a 10-year absence. Quad Cities won the MWL Championship Series in 2013, a season in which eight future major-leaguers (including 2015 American League Rookie of the Year Award winner Carlos Correa) played for the River Bandits.

The team also made the MWL playoffs last year after posting the best winning percentage in Minor League Baseball (.638) and the second-most wins in Quad Cities franchise history. The River Bandits were knocked out of the postseason by the eventual Western Division champion Cedar Rapids Kernels, who lost to the West Michigan Whitecaps in the finals.

“The Astros are a first-rate organization from top to bottom, and we at the River Bandits are delighted to continue our relationship with them,” Heller said. “They’ve consistently delivered championship-level clubs and star players to the Quad Cities, and they are committed to player development. They’ve been great partners, and they are building a loyal following here in the Quad Cities. We are excited to extend our affiliation with them for another two years.”

The current affiliation is Houston’s second stint with Quad Cities as its Midwest League team. The first time was from 1993-98, during which the River Bandits had three first-place finishes in a four-year span (1995-98).

Houston Astros star Carlos Correa was the starting shortstop for the 2013 Quad Cities River Bandits. (Photo by Craig Wieczorkiewicz/The Midwest League Traveler)