LITTLE ROCK — A former University of Arkansas outfielder has signed with the Kansas City Royals, the university said Tuesday.
Sam Bates, a Cabot native who had a .239 average in two seasons with Arkansas, was picked in the 28th round of the Major League Baseball draft.
Bates will reportedly join the Royals' rookie league affiliate in Idaho Falls, Idaho. Terms of his contract weren't immediately available.
Former UA third baseman Matt Reynolds was the first player to reach a deal with a professional team, signing Monday with the New York Mets.
Arkansas finished third in the College World Series, missing the championship series after falling to South Carolina last week.