UNC Baseball Earns Four Picks on Day One of 2026 MLB Draft

First‑Round Star: Jake Schaffner Chosen 20th Overall

Shortstop Jake Schaffner became the Tar Heels’ 27th first‑round selection when the Boston Red Sox picked him 20th overall. The junior infielder arrived at Chapel Hill after two seasons at North Dakota State and quickly emerged as UNC’s leadoff threat. Schaffner posted a .356 batting average with 85 runs, 96 hits—including 19 doubles, eight triples and six home runs—plus 50 RBIs and 26 stolen bases.

His selection also highlights UNC’s sustained elite presence in the draft. The program is one of just four college baseball teams to produce a first‑round pick in each of the last three years, underscoring a steady pipeline of high‑impact talent.

Second‑Round Outfielder: Owen Hull Joins Boston

Owen Hull, a 6‑foot‑4, 215‑pound outfielder, was taken by the Red Sox in the second round, 67th overall. After transferring from George Mason, Hull quickly became one of UNC’s premier hitters, leading the team with a .393 average, 103 hits and 87 RBIs. He added 27 doubles and nine home runs, showcasing his power and consistency in the middle of the order.

Mid‑Round Arms: Jason DeCaro and Ryan Lynch

Right‑handed pitcher Jason DeCaro slipped to the Pittsburgh Pirates at 80th overall. Over three seasons, DeCaro compiled a 26‑7 record with a 3.46 ERA, striking out 247 batters in 270⅓ innings. His 11‑3 sophomore season featured a career‑best 2.47 ERA, establishing him as UNC’s top starter.

San Diego selected Ryan Lynch in the third round, 97th overall. The 6‑foot‑4, 235‑pound righty posted a 10‑5 mark and a 3.72 ERA, delivering 162 strikeouts and a solid sinker that paired with off‑speed pitches. Lynch began his college career in relief before transitioning to the rotation, where he dominated over 159⅔ innings.

Additional Tar Heels Selected on Draft’s Final Day

UNC’s Day‑2 haul includes second baseman Gavin Gallaher, first baseman Erik Paulsen, catcher Macon Winslow, pitcher Folger Boaz and incoming freshman Harrison Ailshie. These selections add depth to the program’s latest draft class and reflect the breadth of UNC’s talent across multiple positions.

The four Day‑one picks cement the Tar Heels’ reputation as a consistent producer of MLB‑ready players, reinforcing their status among the nation’s elite collegiate baseball programs.