FAYETTEVILLE — Outfielder Andrew Benintendi has signed a professional contract with the Boston Red Sox, ending his collegiate career at Arkansas.
Benintendi, who was selected with the seventh overall pick in the MLB Draft earlier this month, signed a contract with a bonus worth more than $3.59 million, according to Baseball America.
His agent, Jason Wood, said Benintendi will begin his minor league career with the Lowell Spinners, a short season-A team in Massachusetts.
As a sophomore for the Razorbacks, Benintendi won the Golden Spikes Award and Dick Howser Trophy as national player of the year. He hit .376 with a nation-leading 20 home runs, and also accounted for 57 RBIs and 24 stolen bases.
Benintendi, whose birthday is next Monday, was eligible for the draft as a sophomore because he will turn 21 within 45 days of the draft.
He is the third of Arkansas' four MLB Draft picks to sign this summer, alongside pitcher Trey Killian (Rockies, 9th round) and third baseman Bobby Wernes (Astros, 30th round).
Outfielder Tyler Spoon was selected in the 35th round by the Red Sox and is expected to sign professionally before the July 17 deadline.