CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Garrett Acton, one of the most decorated relievers in Illinois history, has signed with the Oakland Athletics. Acton led the nation in saves during both of his seasons in Champaign and this season was Illinois' first Academic All-American in 20 years.

"I am excited to announce that I have officially signed a Free Agent contract with the Oakland Athletics," Acton wrote on Instagram. "Thank you to my friends, family, teammates and coaches for the help and support along the way. I could not be more appreciative and thankful to have been a part of Illinois baseball and to wear the block I these last two years."

The Parkland College transfer had an Illinois and Big Ten record 19 saves in 2019 and added another six saves in the COVID-19 shortened 2020 season. He broke Illinois' career saves record in his final game for the Orange & Blue, an 8-7 win at Elon on March 8 which ended up being the final game of the Illini's season. 

Acton's resume includes a 2019 NCBWA and Perfect Game/Rawlings First Team All-American selection, the 2019 NCBWA District Player of the Year, and one of six players in the nation named to the 2019 NCBWA Stopper of the Year finalist list. In the classroom, he had a 3.98 GPA as a finance major, was Illinois third ever Academic All-American, and earned Illinois Athletics' Top GPA Awards in both his junior and senior years. 

Acton finished his Illinois career with a 1.82 ERA, 25 saves, and 42 strikeouts in 39 2/3 innings over 36 appearances. He had a save in 35.7% (25/70) of Illinois' games over the last two years and saved 56.8% (25/44) of Illinois' wins during his time in Champaign. 

Acton graduated in May 2020 as a finance major from the Gies College of Business, one of the top 10 public business schools in the nation according to U.S. News & World Report.