Former Kansas University baseball players Sean Richardson and A.J. Van Slyke have signed professional contracts.

Van Slyke, an outfielder whose father, Andy, is a former major leaguer, signed with the St. Louis Cardinals, who made him a 23rd-round selection in last week’s free-agent draft.

Jeff Luhnow, vice president for player procurement for the Cardinals, said Van Slyke would play first base for the club’s rookie team in Johnson City, Tenn.

“He has tremendous raw power, and he throws very much in the same fashion that his dad did with the Cardinals,” Luhnow said. “It’s exciting for me to watch him. We wanted to keep him in the family.”

Richardson, a catcher, penned with Minnesota. He was selected by the Twins in the 19th round of the draft.

Richardson is expected to be assigned to the Twins’ rookie team in Elizabethton, N.C.