FAYETTEVILLE — Two of Arkansas' top signees have opted for professional baseball.
Catcher Ben Rortvedt of Verona, Wis., and infielder Cole Stobbe of Omaha, Neb., have decided to sign professional contracts instead of playing for the Razorbacks.
Rortvedt, who was drafted in the second round with the 56th overall pick in last week's MLB Draft, signed with the Minnesota Twins on Monday. He was the highest-rated member of Arkansas' 2016 signing class.
According to MLB.com senior writer Jim Callis, Rortvedt signed for $900,000. That is less than the $1.14 million slot value for his draft position.
#MNTwins sign 2nd round pick (56th overall) Ben Rortvedt from Verona Area HS (WI). pic.twitter.com/cRcyAPYkRC
— Minnesota Twins (@Twins) June 13, 2016
Stobbe, a third-round pick, has agreed to sign with the Philadelphia Phillies, according to the Omaha (Neb.) World-Herald.
MLB.com lists his draft spot, 78th overall, as having a signing bonus value of $813,500. Stobbe did not disclose financial details to the World-Herald.
"I can’t wait to get my pro career started," Stobbe told the World-Herald.
Rortvedt and Stobbe are the only two Arkansas signees who have decided to sign professionally. Outfielder Jordan McFarland of Waterloo, Ill., will play for the Razorbacks, while the other four signees who were drafted have not indicated what they will do.
Pitchers Tyler Benninghoff, Trevor Stephan, Blake Lillis and Brenden Heiss have until July 15 to sign professional contracts or opt for college.