Former Hogs Geared Up for MiLB Opening Day

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – After a hiatus of more than 19 months due to the coronavirus pandemic, Minor League Baseball is back.

Nearly two dozen former Arkansas standouts will suit up for a minor-league affiliate this season. Heston Kjerstad, the second overall pick in the 2020 MLB Draft, headlines the group, reporting to the Delmarva Shorebirds (Low-A, Baltimore Orioles) to begin his pro career.

Kjerstad’s debut is highly anticipated following the cancellation of last season. The outfielder is the No. 59 overall prospect in all of baseball entering the 2021 campaign.

Fellow 2020 draftee Casey Martin will report to the Clearwater Threshers (Low-A, Philadelphia Phillies). The speedy infielder was selected by the Phillies in the third round (87th) overall in this past year’s draft.

Isaiah Campbell will also make his pro ball debut this spring, beginning the season with the Everett AquaSox (High-A, Seattle Mariners). The right-handed pitcher was selected by the Mariners in the second round (76th overall) of the 2019 MLB Draft.

Dominic Fletcher, meanwhile, is the first Razorback from the 2019 draft class to reach Double-A. The outfielder will take the field for the Amarillo Sod Poodles (Arizona Diamondbacks) to begin the 2021 campaign, which kicks off Tuesday, May 4.

Chad Spanberger is one of the five former Hogs in Triple-A. The power-hitting first baseman, who was traded from the Toronto Blue Jays following the 2019 campaign, is with the Nashville Sounds (Milwaukee Brewers) to start the season.

The full and regularly updated list of active #ProHogs is here. Arkansas has produced 60 Major Leaguers in its storied program history, with at least one player selected in each of the past 45 MLB drafts dating back to 1975.

For complete coverage of Arkansas baseball, follow us on Twitter (@RazorbackBSB), Instagram (@RazorbackBSB) and like us on Facebook (Arkansas Razorback Baseball).