Former Arkansas pitcher Zach Jackson has signed with the Toronto Blue Jays.
Jackson was a third-round pick, No. 102 overall, in last week's MLB First-Year Player Draft. According to MLB.com, the pick has a $585,100 signing bonus.
Jackson, who signed the contract Tuesday at the Blue Jays' spring training facility in Dunedin, Fla., signed for $540,000, said Jim Callis, a senior writer for MLB.com.
"They give you an upfront idea of what you're going to get, and there is really no reason to hold out once you get to that point," Jackson said. "The slots are what they are, and you can't really push a team that far. Arkansas wasn't a place that I was dying to leave or anything. This is just an opportunity I couldn't pass up."
Jackson will be assigned to a team later this week. He said he could be sent to the team's short-season affiliate in Vancouver, where he would be reunited with former Arkansas pitcher Jackson Lowery, who was drafted by the Blue Jays last year.
"We've been texting quite a bit, actually," Jackson said. "I'll know Friday if I'll be getting to play with him.
"Jackson and I are pretty big buddies, so it's nice to know there is somebody who can help you get accustomed to a new level of baseball and new lifestyle."
During his three-year career with the Razorbacks, Jackson posted a 10-8 record and recorded 15 saves. He had a 3.10 ERA with 194 strikeouts in 153 2/3 innings.
Jackson's best season came in 2015, when he had 9 saves, a 2.10 ERA and 89 strikeouts in 69 innings. That performance earned him first-team All-SEC honors.
Despite being a preseason All-American, Jackson struggled as a junior. He was used as a starter and reliever and went 3-4 with 4 saves and a 4.76 ERA.
Jackson is the third Arkansas player to sign a contract, joining first baseman Clark Eagan (Pirates, ninth round) and pitcher James Teague (Orioles, 37th round).
Junior pitcher Dominic Taccolini is the only underclassman who was drafted and hasn't announced whether he would sign professionally or return to school. Taccolini was drafted by the Blue Jays in the 16th round. Drafted players have until July 15 to sign or return to college.
Andrew Hutchinson of wholehogsports.com contributed to this report.
Sports on 06/16/2016