FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The 2nd-most selections in the 2021 MLB Draft at the moment belongs to the Arkansas Razorbacks.
Six Hogs listened to their names termed on Day Two of the MLB’s very first-yr player draft, which included rounds 2-10. Pitcher Kevin Kopps, the 2021 Dick Howser Trophy winner and latest Golden Spikes Award finalist, led the way for Arkansas with his third-spherical collection (No. 99 over-all) by the San Diego Padres.
As college or university baseball’s most dominant pitcher, Kopps concluded the 2021 marketing campaign with a 12-1 document and 11 saves. He posted the nation’s least expensive Era (.90) and WHIP (.76), striking out 131 in 89 2/3 innings of function. Opposing hitters experienced a .162 normal against the right-hander, who established the program’s single-period file for Era in the course of his historic year.
Outfielder Christian Franklin went to the Chicago Cubs in the fourth round (No. 123 over-all) prior to pitcher Ryan Costeiu was picked up by the Los Angeles Angels in the seventh round (No. 201st in general). Catcher Casey Opitz and pitcher Patrick Wicklander were being picked in the eighth spherical by the Cubs (No. 244 total) and Tampa Bay Rays (No. 251 total), respectively.
Franklin heads to the Cubs corporation immediately after slashing .274/.420/.544 with 13 property operates and 54 RBI in the course of the 2021 marketing campaign. The outfielder also hit 15 doubles and two triples, swiping a staff-greatest 11 bases on the yr while actively playing elite defense in heart.
Costeiu, meanwhile, struck out 40 in 30. innings of operate out of the bullpen this past time. The correct-hander, who created 26 appearances and posted an 8-3 report, held opposing hitters to a .198 batting common.
Opitz will be a part of Franklin with the Cubs group right after slashing .257/.367/.346 in 2021. The Razorback captain swatted two homers and drove in 18 operates when providing strong protection behind the plate.
Wicklander emerged as the Razorbacks’ No. 1 starter just after beginning the yr out of the bullpen. The left-hander, who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetic issues prior to the season, finished with a 7-1 history and 2.09 Era in 77 2/3 innings of get the job done, punching out 85 batters although limiting opposing hitters to a .226 average.
Pitcher Lael Lockhart rounded out Monday’s haul of Razorback draftees. The left-hander was scooped up by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the ninth spherical with the No. 282 total select.
Lockhart, a graduate transfer from Houston, was Arkansas’ common Sunday starter this past season, pitching to a 3-3 record with a 4.47 Era. The lefty struck out 68 in 58.1 innings and arrived within an out of tossing the to start with great video game in program history towards Ga at the SEC Match.
The Hogs had 4 pitchers chosen in the draft’s initially 10 rounds for only the second time in plan history. Arkansas also reached the feat throughout the 2019 draft when Isaiah Campbell (CBB, No. 76 in general – Seattle Mariners), Matt Cronin (fourth spherical, No. 123 total – Washington Nationals), Jacob Kostyshock (eighth spherical, No. 249 general – Colorado Rockies) and Cody Scroggins (ninth round, No. 287 all round – Boston Crimson Sox) all went in the to start with 10 rounds.
As a result of the very first two days of the 2021 MLB Draft, three Razorback signees have been selected, which include just one in yesterday’s to start with round. Infielder Max Muncy was drafted by the Oakland Athletics (first round, No. 25 overall) Sunday right before infielder Jordan Viars (third spherical, No. 84 in general – Philadelphia Phillies) and pitcher/outfielder Drew Gray (3rd spherical, No. 93 all round – Chicago Cubs) read their names named Monday.
The MLB Draft concludes with rounds 11-20 tomorrow, commencing at 11 am CT with no hold off involving choices.
For complete protection of Arkansas baseball, adhere to us on Twitter (@RazorbackBSB), Instagram (@RazorbackBSB) and like us on Fb (Arkansas Razorback Baseball).
