FAYETTEVILLE — For the first time in recent memory, Arkansas did not have a signee or publicly committed player selected in the first 10 rounds of the MLB Draft.
That development increases the likelihood that the core of the Razorbacks' 2019 signing class, ranked 14th before the draft by Perfect Game, will remain largely intact for the 2020 season.
Signing bonuses after the 11th round cannot exceed $125,000 without a franchise incurring a financial penalty, minimizing the chances a high school player will opt for professional baseball over a high-profile college team like Arkansas.
The Arkansas signee who was believed most likely to be drafted was outfielder Jason Hodges of Marist High School near Chicago.