Nate Allen

FAYETTEVILLE - Charlie Welch, the Baum-Walker Stadium folk hero whose game-winning pinch-hit double vs. Florida clinched the Razorbacks’ SEC championship, has played his last game for Arkansas.

So has Razorbacks middle reliever Ryan Costeiu.

Both announced Monday they’ve signed professional contracts.

Costeiu, a hard-throwing right-hander drafted in the seventh round by the Los Angeles Angels after going 8-2 with 5.30 earned run average  and  40 strikeouts vs 15 walks in 30 innings, signed for a reported $222,500.

Welch, a 19th round choice of the Seattle Mariners, signed for an undisclosed amount.

On social media Welch posted, “Thank you Arkansas for making this past year the best year of baseball in my life. With that being said, I am blessed and honored to say I will be continuing my career professionally with the Seattle Mariners."

A pinch-hitter and by postseason the Razorbacks’ regular designated hitter, Welch led the 2021 Razorbacks batting .388 including eight home runs and five doubles and 25 RBI IN 67 at bats.