Four Winds Field, home of the South Bend Cubs. (Photo by Craig Wieczorkiewicz/The Midwest League Traveler)

The Chicago Cubs announced Wednesday that they have extended their player development contracts with all of their minor-league affiliates — including the South Bend Cubs in the Midwest League — through the 2022 season.

South Bend became the Cubs’ MWL affiliate beginning with the 2015 season, after a four-year deal was reached between the clubs in September 2014. The Cubs extended the deal in June 2016, putting it into effect through the 2020 season. Now, again, the Cubs have extended their PDC with South Bend well before it expired.

Clearly, and not surprisingly, the Cubs are pleased with the affiliation.

“We couldn’t be happier to extend our relationship with South Bend through at least 2022,” Jason McLeod, Cubs Senior Vice President of Scouting and Player Development, said in a press release. “Andrew Berlin and Joe Hart, along with their talented front office group, have gone above and beyond to give our young players an environment in which they can mature both on and off the field.”

Next year is a big one for the South Bend Cubs, who will host the Midwest League All-Star Game on Tuesday, June 18 — South Bend’s first Class-A midseason classic since 1989.