Triple-A · International League · West Sacramento, California, US · Sutter Health Park
Sacramento River Cats
The San Francisco Giants' Triple-A affiliate since 2015, the Sacramento River Cats play at Sutter Health Park and have been one of the PCL's premier franchises since their founding in 2000, led by the longest-tenured manager in minor league baseball, Dave Brundage.
2000–2014
The Athletics Era
Oakland's pipeline on the river
The Sacramento River Cats began play in 2000 as the Oakland Athletics' Triple-A affiliate, debuting at Raley Field (now Sutter Health Park) in West Sacramento. The $46 million ballpark, situated along the Sacramento River with views of the Tower Bridge and downtown skyline, was an immediate sensation and set new standards for minor league venues.
The franchise was a juggernaut in its early years, winning PCL championships in 2003, 2004, and 2007. The A's pipeline sent remarkable talent through Sacramento, including Barry Zito, Mark Mulder, Rich Harden, Nick Swisher, and Dan Haren. The River Cats regularly ranked among the top-attended teams in all of minor league baseball, with season attendance frequently exceeding 700,000.
The 15-year partnership with Oakland was one of the most productive in PCL history, establishing Sacramento as a premier Triple-A destination and laying the foundation for the franchise's enduring success.
Key Facts
- Debuted in 2000 at Raley Field (now Sutter Health Park)
- Won PCL championships in 2003, 2004, and 2007
- Barry Zito, Mark Mulder, Rich Harden among notable alumni
- Regularly exceeded 700,000 in annual attendance
2015–Present
The Giants Era
A new partnership and a legendary manager
The River Cats became the San Francisco Giants' Triple-A affiliate in 2015, beginning a new chapter that has been defined by managerial stability and organizational consistency. Dave Brundage took over as manager in 2017 and returns for a remarkable 10th season in 2026, making him one of the longest-tenured managers in all of minor league baseball.
The Giants partnership has developed prospects like Heliot Ramos, Joey Bart, and other contributors to San Francisco's major league roster. The franchise's profile received an enormous boost when Sutter Health Park served as the temporary home of the Oakland Athletics during their transition to Las Vegas, bringing Major League Baseball to Sacramento and demonstrating the market's capacity for top-tier professional baseball.
Diamond Baseball Holdings acquired the franchise in 2022, and the River Cats have continued to thrive. Brundage's entire 2025 staff was retained for 2026, reflecting the operational continuity that has been a hallmark of the franchise. The combination of a world-class ballpark, a stable organization, and one of California's fastest-growing metropolitan areas positions the River Cats for continued success.
Key Facts
- Became Giants affiliate in 2015
- Dave Brundage enters 10th season as manager in 2026
- Sutter Health Park served as temporary home of Oakland A's
- Diamond Baseball Holdings acquired the franchise in 2022