Arkansas Business

This story is from the archives of ArkansasSports360.com.

Former Arkansas centerfielder Brett Eibner signed with the Kansas City Royals on Monday, getting a $1.2 million bonus.

Baseball America reported the numbers on Eibner’s deal. The Royals announced Eibner’s signing at Arvest Ballpark in Springdale, home to AA affiliate the Northwest Arkansas Naturals. Eibner hit .333 with 22 home runs in 2010.

Eibner’s college teammates Zack Cox (St. Louis Cardinals) and Drew Smyly (Detroit Tigers) still have not signed. They have until midnight to reach a deal with their clubs or they could return to Arkansas.

Eibner is expected to report Tuesday to the Idaho Falls Chukars.

Eibner, a Houston native, hit .333 with 22 home runs and 71 RBI for the Arkansas Razorbacks as a junior in 2009. The 6-foot-4 210-pounder was named to the 2010 watch list for the Golden Spikes Award and the Olerud Award, which recognizes college baseball’s best two-way player. Eibner also compiled a 3-5 mark and a 4.34 ERA in 58 innings pitched as a right-hander. Eibner was originally drafted by the Houston Astros in the fourth round in 2007, but chose to attend Arkansas.

The Royals signed 37 of their 50 selections from the 2010 First-Year Player Draft, including 21 of the club’s top 22 picks.