Seven Former Razorbacks on MLB Opening Day Rosters

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Seven former Arkansas standouts are set to begin the 2021 Major League Baseball season today.

Former Razorbacks appearing on MLB Opening Day active rosters as the 162-game campaign gets underway on Thursday include infielder Brian Anderson (Miami Marlins), outfielder Andrew Benintendi (Kansas City Royals), pitcher Dallas Keuchel (Chicago White Sox), catcher James McCann (New York Mets), pitcher Drew Smyly (Atlanta Braves), pitcher Ryne Stanek (Houston Astros) and Trevor Stephan (Cleveland Indians).

Pitcher Jalen Beeks begins the season on the Tampa Bay Rays’ 60-day injured list. The former Hog is part of the team’s 40-man roster after as he rehabs from Tommy John surgery in the offseason.

Benintendi, McCann, Smyly, Stanek and Stephan are each beginning their first season with their respective new ballclubs. Benintendi was included in a three-team trade this offseason, sending him to Kansas City from Boston.

McCann signed a four-year, $40.6 million contract with the Mets this winter after two seasons with the White Sox. Smyly and Stanek, meanwhile both inked one-year contracts with their new teams in the offseason.

Stephan was selected by Cleveland from the New York Yankees in the Rule 5 draft this past winter. He is set to become the 60th former Razorback to make his MLB debut this season.

Arkansas has produced 59 Major Leaguers in its storied program history. The Razorbacks have also had at least one player selected in each of the past 45 MLB drafts dating back to 1975.

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