The Chattanooga Lookouts are on a list of 42 minor league clubs that could be severed from the majors under a sweeping new proposal from Major League Baseball.
During current negotiations with the minors, the MLB is proposing to curtail the number of minor league clubs it has agreements with and reduce the number of minor league players on its payroll.
Chattanooga is one of only four Class AA teams on the list.
Under the proposal, each major league team would be limited to five affiliates. It was noted that the Astros already made a move this year to reduce their affiliates from nine to seven.
A baseball club in Chattanooga dates back to 1885. The Lookouts formerly played at Engel Stadium, where they had a storied history. They are now at AT&T Field.
A reduction of affiliations by 25 percent would mostly be aimed at rookie clubs and those with short seasons. It would result in many fewer opportunities for players to compete in the minors, but result in higher pay for those who get the fewer slots.