Jackson signs with Blue Jays

Zach Jackson of Arkansas delivers against Central Michigan Friday, Feb. 19, 2016, during the eighth inning at Baum Stadium in Fayetteville.
Zach Jackson of Arkansas delivers against Central Michigan Friday, Feb. 19, 2016, during the eighth inning at Baum Stadium in Fayetteville.

— Former Arkansas pitcher Zach Jackson has signed with the Toronto Blue Jays.

Jackson was a third-round pick in last week's MLB Draft. He was the 102nd overall pick, which has a $585,100 signing bonus value, according to MLB.com.

Jim Callis, a senior writer for MLB.com, reports he signed for less than that value, at $540,000. Jackson signed the contract Tuesday at the Blue Jays' spring training facility in Dunedin, Fla.

"They give you an upfront idea of what you're going to get and there is really no reason to hold out once you get to that point," Jackson said. "The slots are what they are and you can't really push a team that far....Plus I was just ready to get the process going.

"Arkansas wasn't a place that I was dying to leave or anything. This is just an opportunity I couldn't pass up."

Jackson will be assigned to a minor league affiliate later this week. He said he may be sent to the team's short-season affiliate in Vancouver, where he would be reunited with former Arkansas pitcher Jackson Lowery, who was drafted by the Blue Jays last year.

"We've been texting quite a bit, actually," Jackson said. "I'll know Friday if I'll be getting to play with him.

"Jackson and I are pretty big buddies, so it's nice to know there is somebody who can help you get accustomed to a new level of baseball and new lifestyle."

During his three-year career with the Razorbacks, Jackson posted a 10-8 record and recorded 15 saves. He had a 3.10 ERA with 194 strikeouts in 153 2/3 innings.

Jackson's best season came in 2015, when he had nine saves, a 2.10 ERA and 89 strikeouts in 69 innings. That performance earned him first-team all-SEC honors.

Despite being named a preseason all-American, Jackson struggled as a junior. He was used as a starter and reliever and went 3-4 with four saves and a 4.76 ERA.

Jackson is the third Arkansas player to sign a professional contract since the draft, joining first baseman Clark Eagan (Pirates, 9th round) and pitcher James Teague (Orioles, 37th round).

Junior pitcher Dominic Taccolini is the only underclassman who was drafted that hasn't announced if he would sign professionally or return to school. Taccolini was drafted by the Blue Jays in the 16th round.

Drafted players have until July 15 to sign professionally or opt to play college baseball next season.

Andrew Hutchinson contributed

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