Dixon Williams, Ethan Young Sign Pro Contracts After 2025 MLB Draft Selections
Two of East Carolina’s top contributors from the 2025 season are officially off to the professional ranks.
Second baseman Dixon Williams and right-handed pitcher Ethan Young have each signed with their respective Major League Baseball organizations following their selections in last weekend’s 2025 MLB Draft.
Williams was selected 136th overall in the compensatory round of the fourth by the Atlanta Braves. According to Baseball America, he signed for $497,500, coming in just over $40,000 below slot value (originally set at $539,000 by MLB.com).
Young, selected 150th overall in the fifth round by the St. Louis Cardinals, signed a well-above-slot deal worth $630,000 — nearly $160,000 over the assigned value of $470,100. The overslot signing signals the Cardinals’ belief in his long-term upside, despite only one season at ECU.
Williams Leaves as One of the Top Bats in the AAC
A mainstay in the Pirates’ infield since earning a starting job as a sophomore, Dixon Williams developed into one of the most reliable and complete hitters in college baseball. The 6-foot-2, 210-pound lefty brought a balanced skill set of plus power, speed, and a mature approach at the plate.
Over two seasons in Greenville, Williams posted a career .299 batting average, 23 home runs, 94 RBIs, 27 stolen bases, and a .947 OPS. He batted .308 with nine homers in his first full year as a starter in 2024, and followed it up with a .299 average, 14 home runs, and a career-best 1.012 OPS in 2025. His advanced eye at the plate led to 49 walks against 47 strikeouts this past season — production that drew significant attention from pro scouts.
Young Dominates in One-Year Stint with the Pirates
Ethan Young made the most of his lone season at East Carolina after transferring from Catawba Valley Community College. Despite pitching primarily in relief, he threw the second-most innings on the team, finishing with 70.1 innings across 23 appearances (one start).
Young posted a 5–0 record, 3.84 ERA, and 92 strikeouts while allowing just 57 hits and 34 walks, good for a 1.29 WHIP. His fastball sat in the mid-to-upper 90s and touched 98–99 mph, making him one of the hardest throwers on the roster. Combined with a sharp slider and usable secondary pitches, Young’s raw stuff and effort-level delivery made him one of the most intriguing arms in the draft.
Though he’s expected to begin his pro career as a reliever, Young’s durability — including 15 outings of 3+ innings and multiple appearances over 5 innings — gives the Cardinals flexibility if they opt to stretch him out as a starter.
Both players played key roles in ECU’s AAC Tournament title run and NCAA Regional appearance this past spring. Now, they’ll look to continue their growth at the next level as they officially close their careers in the Purple and Gold.