NC State WR Thayer Thomas Doesn’t Sign with Red Sox

According to Joe Giglio of the News & Observer, NC State Redshirt Sophomore Wide Receiver Thayer Thomas on the football front, and outfielder on the baseball team, will not be signing his contract with the Boston Red Sox.

“If he took the (Red Sox) offer, it would come at a cost to his football development,” Thomas’ father, Trevor, told The News & Observer on Wednesday. “He still wants to pursue both sports at N.C. State. This makes the most sense.” (N&O)

Thomas was drafted by the Boston Red Sox in the 33rd round of the 2019 MLB Draft, with the 1,007th pick.

He made 14 appearances in his freshman season of baseball, including four starts as an outfielder. At the plate he batted .222 with four hits and a .500 slugging percentage, and defensively tallied eight putouts with a 1.000 fielding percentage. His best game of the season was on March 9 vs. Pittsburgh when we went 2-for-2 with a double and home run, driving in a pair of runs while scoring two of his own.

Thomas was originally a walk-on on the football team, but earned a scholarship in the Spring before last season. He finished the year with 34 receptions for 383 yards and 3 touchdowns. Thomas also returned 15 punts for 140 yards. His 34 receptions ranked 4th on the team.

With Jakobi Meyers leaving for the NFL, Thomas will have more opportunity in the slot, but will also have graduate transfer Tabari Hines pushing him for reps.