South Carolina outfielder Dom Thompson-Williams signs with Yankees, will turn pro

Dom Thompson-Williams’ South Carolina Gamecocks career turned out to be just one season long.

The talented outfielder, taken by the New York Yankees in the fifth round of the MLB Draft, elected to sign a professional contract rather than return for his senior season. The deal is worth $250,000.

Thompson-Williams, a JUCO transfer from Iowa Western - not far from his hometown of Sioux City - was a big part of the Gamecocks’ Super Regional appearance in 2016. As an everyday starter, DTW’s slash line worked out to .321/.418/.517 (his .517 SLG% was a team best) in 64 games. He recorded 77 hits (second on the team), 17 of those doubles and three of those triples (both team highs). He also showed some power, hitting eight home runs, two behind Alex Destino, and speed, recording 18 stolen bases in 23 attempts.

The Gamecocks’ other draftees have until July 15 to sign a professional contract. After not committing to a decision one way or another on Sunday after the team went 0-2 against Oklahoma State in Super Regionals, it appears a few days of discussion and contemplation was enough for DTW to make the decision to pursue a professional career.