photo: the Hence family (Tink Hence)
The St. Louis Cardinals made it three days in a row, signing top picks from the draft Class of 2020 as well as fresh from their respective high school graduation classes.
On Thursday afternoon, the club announced the signing of second-round draft pick Tink Hence, taken 63rd overall. The 17-year old right-handed pitcher hails from Pine Bluff, Arkansas. The University of Arkansas commit is the sixth of seven selections to come to terms with St. Louis.
Let’s Go @Cardinals ✅ pic.twitter.com/vmReusttXR
— Markevian “Tink” Hence (@HenceTink3) June 26, 2020
Welcome to the #STLCards organization, Tink!
We have agreed to terms with our 63rd overall pick. https://t.co/EUJjayJNbG
— St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) June 25, 2020
Welcome to St. Louis @HenceTink3 pic.twitter.com/dBJYeV9BzJ
— Cardinals Player Development (@CardsPlayerDev) June 26, 2020
Hence’s 63rd overall spot is a Competitive Balance Selection acquired from Tampa Bay in a trade that also included prospect pitcher Matthew Liberatore joining the Cardinals. Heading to the Rays were the 37th overall selection along with outfielders Jose Martinez and Randy Arozarena.
Hence’s signing bonus has not been disclosed but this article will be updated once that information is disclosed. The slot amount for the 63rd overall pick is $1,076,300.
Coming into the day, the two remaining St. Louis draft picks to be signed were Hence and fourth-round selection Ian Bedell. Both are overslot candidates and are expected to sign. Including a potential five percent overage on their total signing budget, the Cardinals had about $375,000 extra to work with to complete contracts with their full draft class.
In addition, the Cardinals signed eight non-drafted free agents so have 14 of their 15 newest additions on board. Bedell is expected to follow soon.
Update from Friday morning, June 26
Supplemental 2nd-rder Tink Hence's bonus from @Cardinals is $1,115,000 (slot 63 value = $1,076,300). Arkansas HS RHP, quick-twitch guy with fast arm, fastball to 96 mph, flashes plus slider, feel for changeup, sound delivery. Arkansas recruit. @MLBDraft
— Jim Callis (@jimcallisMLB) June 26, 2020
Related articles
To learn about Hence’s skills and background:
For details on Hence’s background and journey to date:
For details on Hence’s no. 19 placement on The Cardinal Nation’s Top 50 Prospect List:
Post-Draft St. Louis Cardinals 2020 Top 50 Prospect Rankings
For more
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