FAYETTEVILLE — Kevin Kopps, the right hander who in 2021 put together one of the best individual seasons by a Razorback regardless of sport, has signed with the San Diego Padres.
The Golden Spikes Award and Dick Howser Trophy winner signed for a $300,000 bonus, according to MLB.com writer Jim Callis. The slot value for the 99th overall pick is $587,400.
Kopps is the eighth Razorback to sign a professional contract since last week’s MLB Draft.
A native of Sugar Land, Texas, Kopps finished the 2021 season with a 12-1 record and 0.90 ERA over 33 appearances. His earned run average and WHIP (0.76) were the lowest in the country.
Primarily using a cutter, Kopps struck out 131 batters in 89 2/3 innings pitched and walked only 18. For the season, opponents hit only .162 against him, and Arkansas was 28-5 in games in which he pitched.
Joining Andrew Benintendi as the only Razorbacks to win the Golden Spikes, Kopps was also named national player of the year by College Baseball Newspaper and D1Baseball, national pitcher of the year by the College Baseball Foundation, Perfect Game and American Baseball Coaches Association, and was voted SEC pitcher of the year by league coaches.
Razorbacks to sign pro contracts
CF Christian Franklin, Chicago Cubs — $425,000
C Casey Opitz, Chicago Cubs — $90,000
P Caden Monke, Kansas City Royals — $125,000
P Lael Lockhart, Los Angeles Dodgers — $2,500
P Ryan Costeiu, Los Angeles Angels — $222,500
DH Charlie Welch, Seattle Mariners — $125,000
P Kevin Kopps, San Diego Padres — $300,000
DH Matt Goodheart, Philadelphia Phillies (undrafted free agent)