UNC Lands Three More Picks in 2026 MLB Draft
The 2026 MLB Draft concluded with North Carolina adding three more players to a growing list of Diamond Heels who signed professional contracts. The Tar Heels now have seven total selections, a sign of the program’s rising profile on college baseball’s scouting radar.
Day‑One Stars Make History
Four Tar Heels heard their names called in the opening rounds, marking the first time UNC placed four players among the top 100 overall picks. Jake Schaffner went 20th overall to the Boston Red Sox, setting the tone for the day. The Red Sox followed up by nabbing Owen Hull with the 67th pick, a solid gain for Boston. Jason DeCaro landed at 80th overall with the Pittsburgh Pirates, while Ryan Lynch rounded out the early rush by joining the San Diego Padres at 97th.
The quartet of selections gives UNC a presence on three different clubs and highlights a surge that has drawn attention from scouts across the league.
Day‑Two Contributions
UNC continued its success on Sunday with three additional picks spread across rounds 6, 17 and 20. Macon Winslow, a catcher from Hertford, N.C., became the Phillies’ pick at 190th overall. The right‑handed hitter recorded 67 games, 57 RBIs and 10 home runs for the Tar Heels, plus an ACC‑leading caught‑stealing rate of .556. Before transferring to Chapel Hill, Winslow spent two seasons at Duke, hitting .267 with 61 runs and 65 RBIs.
Jun 21, 2026; Omaha, NE, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels catcher Macon Winslow (6) is chased by Oklahoma Sooners catcher Deiten Lachance (48) during the eighth inning at Charles Schwab Field. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-Imagn Images
Matthew Matthijs, a right‑hander who capped his college career with a 4.48 ERA and 153 strikeouts over 128 ⅔ innings, joined the Seattle Mariners at pick 520. The former captain worked out of the bullpen as a senior, posting a 6.39 ERA with 39 strikeouts in 31 innings. Matthijs posted a breakout season as a sophomore, going 12‑4 with a 3.72 ERA across 36 appearances.
Jun 5, 2026; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels pitcher Matthew Matthijs (24) pitches the ball to the USC Trojans during the seventh inning at Boshamer Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Zachary Taft-Imagn Images
The Marlins completed UNC’s draft class when they selected Joseph Lawson with the 595th overall pick. Lawson, a two‑way talent from Bishop Verot High School in Fort Myers, Fla., had already signed a national letter of intent before hearing his name called. The incoming freshman can play catcher, first base and right‑handed pitcher, adding defensive versatility to Miami’s system.
May 29, 2026; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; The North Carolina Tar Heels jersey displays the Nike logo along with the NCAA and ACC emblems during game 2 of the Chapel Hill Regional at Boshamer Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Howard-Imagn Images
Impact and Outlook
The Mariners now boast a growing contingent of former Tar Heels, joining Luke Stevenson (2024‑25) and Anthony Donofrio (2024) in their organization. This depth signals a potential pipeline for future talent moves out of Chapel Hill.
Collectively, UNC’s seven picks rank among the most in recent memory for the program, underscoring a strategic focus on player development and professional readiness. Fans will watch how each draftee progresses, especially with prominent names like Lawson and Matthijs transitioning to pro ranks.
The draft haul caps a memorable weekend for the Tar Heels, positioning the baseball team firmly in the national conversation as the upcoming season approaches.
For more coverage of the 2026 MLB Draft and future Tar Heels updates, stay tuned to Tar Heels Wire.
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