FAYETTEVILLE — Tyler Benninghoff, an Arkansas signee who was drafted in the 11th round by the Minnesota Twins in last week’s major league first-year players draft, has decided to sign a professional contract and forgo his college eligibility.
According to MLB.com, Benninghoff will receive a signing bonus of $600,000. MLB.com does not list slot values below the 10th round, but Benninghoff’s slot value is believed to be around $150,000.
Benninghoff, of Overland Park, Kan., was ranked as the No. 201 prospect by Baseball America prior to the draft. He fell in the draft because of an arm injury that forced him to miss most of his senior season.
KSTP-TV reports he will have Tommy John surgery next week.
Benninghoff is the third Arkansas signee to sign a professional contract, joining catcher Ben Rortvedt (Twins, second round) and infielder Cole Stobbe (Philadelphia Phillies, third round).
Benninghoff is the younger brother of Jack Benninghoff, a redshirt freshman outfielder for the Razorbacks.