Former University of Hawaii pitcher Dylan Thomas becomes a Twin

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COURTESY THOMAS FAMILY

With a collage of the Minnesota Twins as a backdrop, Dylan Thomas signed a contract in Fort Myers, Fla., on Wednesday. Thomas was drafted in the 13th round, 25 rounds higher than the previous year.

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With a certificate of fitness and a freshly signed contract, former University of Hawaii pitcher Dylan Thomas is ready for the next stage of his baseball life.

“It’s a dream come true,” said Thomas, who signed with the Minnesota Twins on Wednesday. “I’m super excited to start my journey now.”

Thomas was the Twins’ 13th-round selection in last week’s Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft. On Monday, Thomas, a Southern California native, arrived at the Twins’ training facility in Fort Myers, Fla. He said he underwent an extensive medical examination, a prerequisite to signing.

After being deemed physically fit, Thomas signed a standard multi-year contract. He said team officials told him: “Sign here in order to play for us.”

He responded: “OK, cool.”

Thomas said he agreed to a $100,000 signing bonus. In addition, he receives a salary and per diem from the Twins. Thomas said he expects to be assigned to the Elizabethon (Tenn.) Twins, a team that competes in the Appalachian League. Thomas said he has not been told if he will be used as a starter or reliever. All but three of his 63 UH appearances were in relief. He amassed 27 saves during his three-season UH career.

He said Wednesday was the first day he was allowed to participate in baseball-related activities with the Twins’ organization.

“You can’t go out there until you’ve signed,” Thomas said. “Finally, we’re getting into the swing of things.”

Until Friday, he will stay at the Twins’ facility, a hotel-like complex that has a food court. His roommate is LaRon Smith, a catcher from Canada who was selected in last year’s 25th round.

The Twins also drafted Thomas in last year’s 38th round. But after failing to reach a contract agreement, Thomas opted to return to UH as a fourth-year junior.

Boosted by strong performances in the 2018 Cape Cod Summer League and a solid junior season, Thomas improved his draft position by 25 rounds.

Thomas led the Rainbow Warriors with a 2.01 earned-run average (1.14 against Big West opponents). In three UH seasons, Thomas compiled a 1.96 ERA and 0,95 WHIP. He averaged 9.6 strikeouts per nine innings. With 22 walks in 115 innings, his strikeout-to-walk ratio was 5.5-to-1.

On joining the Twins, Thomas said, “I was happy they were giving me the opportunity that I felt I had worked my hardest to get. … I’m definitely excited to be part of this organization.”