RIVERSIDE, Calif. – California Baptist University senior lefty Kyle Thomas has signed a free agent deal with the New York Yankees.

Thomas, who played 2 seasons at CBU after transferring from Riverside Community College, will report to Tampa, Fla., for extended spring training before likely being assigned to Staten Island of the New York-Penn League (Class A Short-Season). Thomas, being a fifth-year senior, was eligible to sign a free agent deal prior to the MLB Amateur Draft in June.

"I am so thankful to have part of such an amazing program at Cal Baptist," said Thomas. "The CBU program has developed me both as a person and player. If it weren't for coach (Gary) Adcock and coach (Robert) Lunetta, I wouldn't even be in this position. I owe it all to them for preparing me to move to the next level."

In 2 seasons, Thomas made 30 appearances and 20 starts, posting an 11-4 mark with a 3.13 ERA. He struck out 139 in 112 innings and collected 3 saves. Opponents hit just .203 against him.

“We are extremely excited for Kyle,” said CBU head coach Gary Adcock. “The transformation from a junior college outfielder into a pro pitching prospect is a direct reflection of the hard work put in by Kyle and our pitching coach Robert Lunetta. We couldn't be more pleased for him.”

Thomas enjoyed his finest campaign this past year when he went 7-4 with a 3.86 ERA and 2 saves in earning All-GSAC honors. He was third in the GSAC with 81 strikeouts in 67.2 innings. Perhaps his best outing came when he limited defending NAIA World Series champion and No. 1-ranked Lewis-Clark St. (Idaho) to just 5 hits and one earned run while striking out 8 in 6 innings of a 4-3 CBU win. He struck out 11 without giving up a hit in 5 innings of work in a 14-6 win over Oklahoma Baptist.

As a 2006 junior, Thomas made 13 appearances (7 starts) and was 4-0 with a 2.03 ERA and a save. In 44.1 innings, he struck out 58. He lifted the Lancers to a 7-5 win over national-power Oklahoma City, giving up just 5 hits and 2 unearned runs without allowing walk while striking out 11.

Thomas becomes the fourth Lancer in the past 2 seasons to sign a pro contract joining Aaron Hartsock (Kansas City Royals), Josh Banda (Colorado Rockies) and Gabe Mayorga (Fullerton Flyers-Independent).

California Baptist recorded its second straight 30-win season, finishing 35-18 overall. The Lancers finished 23-13 and second place in the Golden State Athletic Conference and were ranked No. 16 in the latest NAIA ranking. CBU made its fourth straight regional playoff appearance and had 5 players earn All-GSAC honors. Earlier this season, Adcock became the Lancers’ all-time winningest coach and has a 4-year record of 132-73.