UA seniors sign pro deals

Arkansas starting pitcher Randall Fant, top, throws to Bryant's Kevin Brown in the second inning of an NCAA baseball regional game in Manhattan, Kan., Sunday, June 2, 2013. (AP Photo/Jeff Tuttle)

— Arkansas senior pitcher Randall Fant and senior outfielder Matt Vinson signed deals with MLB organizations Thursday.

Fant, a left-hander, was drafted by the Houston Astros in the 29th round (857th overall). Fant was also drafted in the 29th round in the 2012 MLB draft, but elected to return to Arkansas for his senior season.

The Texarkana, Texas native posted a 6-1 record and a 2.03 earned run average last year. He also struck out 52 batters in 66 2/3 innings, a K/9 rate of just over seven.

photo

Arkansas outfielder Matt Vinson was known for making spectacular catches in his time playing for the Razorbacks.

The Arizona Diamondbacks drafted Vinson in the 37th round (1,110th overall).

The Alma native hit at a .286 clip last season, which was a career high. He also tied a team high with eight stolen bases and recorded the second-most runs (37) and walks (31) of any Razorback hitter in 2013.

Fant and Vinson joined fellow former Razorbacks Barrett Astin, Trent Daniel and Jacob Morris to sign contracts. Arkansas led the nation with 11 players drafted.