Bates inks contract with Royals

FAYETTEVILLE – Former Arkansas outfielder Sam Bates has signed a professional contract with the Kansas City Royals, as announced on Tuesday.

Bates was selected in the 28th round of the 2012 MLB Draft by the Kansas City Royals. He is scheduled to begin his professional career with the Royals’ rookie league affiliate in Idaho Falls, Idaho. Bates is the second former Razorback to sign a professional contract, joining Matt Reynolds, who signed with the Mets.

A native of Cabot, Ark., Bates played in 45 games, with 37 starts, during the 2012 season and hit .240 with six homers and 25 RBI. Bates finished tied for third on the team in homers and had a .426 slugging percentage, which ranked fourth on the team. Bates had eight multi-hit games and five multi-RBI performances during the season.

In his two seasons with the Razorbacks, Bates played in 70 games, including 56 starts, and had a .239 batting average with six homers and 32 RBI.