Moore, Battles sign pro contracts

Arkansas shortstop Jalen Battles is shown during practice Friday, June 10, 2022, in Chapel Hill, N.C.

FAYETTEVILLE — One of the best middle-infield combinations in Arkansas baseball history signed professional contracts, MLB.com reported Tuesday. 

Second baseman Robert Moore signed with the Milwaukee Brewers and shortstop Jalen Battles signed with the Tampa Bay Rays. Moore was drafted as a shortstop by the Brewers 72nd overall in the supplemental second round, and Battles was drafted 164th overall by the Rays in the fifth round. 

According to MLB.com senior writer Jim Callis, both players signed for under slot value. Moore's $800,000 signing bonus was less than his $915,300 slot, and Battles' $247,500 was less than his $328,400 slot.   

Moore and Battles became the third and fourth of Arkansas' nine drafted players to sign since the draft ended last Tuesday. Ninth-round pitchers Evan Taylor (Miami Marlins) and Connor Noland (Chicago Cubs) signed last week.

The signing deadline for drafted players is Aug. 1. All of the Razorbacks' draft picks are expected to sign. 

Moore and Battles were considered two of the best defensive players in this year's draft. Moore won the 2022 Rawlings Gold Glove Award for Division I second baseman. 

Moore struggled offensively as a junior and finished with a .232 batting average, .801 OPS, 8 home runs and 44 RBI. He tied for the team lead with 42 walks. 

Battles batted .289 with an OPS of .844 this year, and recorded 15 doubles, 10 home runs and 45 RBI.