Pirates Land DII Closer Thomas Paxton to Bolster Bullpen Depth

East Carolina has added another key arm to its 2026 pitching staff, picking up a commitment from Division II closer Thomas Paxton, a right-hander from Belmont Abbey College. A native of Waxhaw, N.C., Paxton heads to Greenville with two years of eligibility remaining and is expected to compete for high-leverage innings out of the bullpen.

Paxton drew interest from several regional programs including UNCW and NC State before ultimately committing to the Pirates.

Standing 6-foot-3 and 215 pounds, Paxton was a stabilizing force at the back end of Belmont Abbey’s bullpen in 2025. He made a team-high 24 appearances, locking down nine saves while going 3-2 with a 2.50 ERA across 39.2 innings. He struck out 36, walked 18, and held opponents to a .203 batting average and 1.16 WHIP, demonstrating swing-and-miss stuff and consistent command in tight spots.

His freshman season in 2024 showed early flashes of that potential as well. Paxton appeared in 22 games, recording three saves and a 1-1 record with a 4.62 ERA. He logged 25.1 innings, striking out 24 against 14 walks, laying the foundation for the breakout sophomore campaign that followed.

Paxton brings more than just results he brings real velocity and experience. His fastball sits in the 92–94 mph range, with the ability to touch 96, giving him the kind of power stuff that plays in high-leverage moments. He's also proven himself against top-tier talent outside the spring season.

Pitching for the Wilmington Sharks of the Coastal Plain League over the past two summers, Paxton has compiled a 1.13 ERA in 21 appearances, striking out 36 batters and walking only 10 across 24 innings. He allowed just 10 hits in that span and collected eight saves, showing the same poise and production he delivered at Belmont Abbey only now against a deeper talent pool.