Red Sox Kick Off 2026 MLB Draft with Three Key Selections

The 2026 MLB Draft has begun, and the Boston Red Sox made an immediate impact with three selections on Day 1. Their top choice, the 20th overall pick, landed Jake Schaffner, a shortstop from the University of North Carolina. The Sox also claimed Owen Hull, an outfielder from UNC, with the 67th overall pick, which came to them via a February trade with Milwaukee.

Day One Highlights

First‑round pick #20 brings in Jake Schaffner, a UNC shortstop who projects as a defensive specialist. The 67th pick, secured through a six‑player deal with the Brewers, adds Owen Hull, an OF from UNC known for his speed and arm strength. Third‑round selection #96 went to ace Mataczynski, a shortstop from Hudson High School in Wisconsin, often praised for his competitive drive.

Those three choices represent the bulk of Boston’s early‑round capital. The Red Sox forfeited their second‑ and fourth‑round slots after signing right‑hander Ranger Suarez to a five‑year, $130 million contract in January. The trade that supplied the 67th pick also sent Kyle Harrison, David Hamilton and Shane Drohan from Boston to Milwaukee, while Caleb Durbin, Anthony Seigler and Andruw Monasterio headed to the Red Sox.

Day Two Picks and Prospects

On Sunday, July 12, the Sox continued building their system with two additional selections. The 156th overall pick brought Lucas Davenport, a right‑handed pitcher from Baylor University, known for his sinking fastball. The 185th pick added Brett Lanman, a left‑handed hurler from Abilene Christian University, who impresses with his change‑up.

These later-round gains give Boston depth on the mound and fill gaps in the farm system. With a total of 19 picks, the organization now has a full roster of prospects to develop over the coming seasons. The combination of high‑flown early talent and later‑round gems reflects a balanced approach to roster building.

Trade Context and Future Outlook

The February nine‑player swap positioned Boston with extra capital for the draft, reshaping the July scouting landscape. Acquiring the 67th pick allowed the Sox to select a player with immediate college experience, which can accelerate roster contributions. Meanwhile, the forfeited secondary rounds underscore how big‑money contracts can influence a club’s draft strategy in a given year.

Looking ahead, the Red Sox will rely on these new selections to fill future roles, whether at shortstop, outfield or in the bullpen. The mix of high‑potential college talent and mid‑round pitching arms suggests a solid foundation for contending down the line. Fans can expect to track these prospects’ development as part of Boston’s long‑term rebuilding narrative.