Ryan Lynch Selected 97th by Padres

First‑Day Draft Impact

Ryan Lynch became the fourth Tar Heel selected on the opening day of the 2026 MLB Draft, joining Jason DeCaro (Pittsburgh Pirates), Jake Schaffner (Boston Red Sox) and Owen Hull (Boston Red Sox). The Padres chose the right‑handed pitcher with the 97th overall pick on Saturday, July 11. His projected slot value is listed at $808,100.

College Career Overview

Lynch, a sophomore eligible for the draft, was UNC’s No. 2 starter in his second season at Chapel Hill. He threw 98 ⅓ innings with a 5‑4 record, a 4.21 ERA and 89 strikeouts across 18 starts. As a freshman he posted a 2.93 ERA and 73 strikeouts, earning a rotation spot after beginning his college career in relief.

Performance Highlights

His peak college moment arrived in the NCAA Tournament, where he delivered seven scoreless innings and held the opposition to just two hits in a shutout win. Later in the postseason his final college start was cut short by an oblique injury during the College World Series championship series. Lynch also features plus‑velocity fastballs that regularly reach the high 90s and solid off‑speed stuff.

What the Padres Can Expect

Having logged time as both a starter and a reliever at UNC, Lynch is positioned to become a long‑relief arm who could also handle spot‑start duties at the major‑league level. His blend of power, experience and off‑speed work should make him a versatile addition to San Diego’s bullpen.