FAYETTEVILLE — Isaiah Campbell observed patience pay off for Arkansas' ace pitcher the two years before he assumed the role.
In 2016, Trevor Stephan, then a junior college pitcher who was signed with the Razorbacks, turned down an 18th-round offer by the Boston Red Sox and opted to play at Arkansas. The next year he was a third-round pick of the New York Yankees and signed for $800,000.
In 2017, Blaine Knight was a sure high-round pick, but held firm to a high asking price and fell to the Texas Rangers in the 29th round. After returning to Arkansas, Knight increased his value, was drafted in the third round by the Baltimore Orioles and signed for $1.