​Saturday marked the kickoff of the 2026 MLB Draft, and the North Carolina Tar Heels sit in a favorable position after a season that left them one win shy of a national championship. With several players expected to hear their names called in this draft, UNC’s talent pool is drawing particular attention. Among those projected to be selected are Owen Hull (#67), Jake Schaffner (#75), Ryan Lynch (#98), Jason DeCaro (#133), and Gavin Gallaher (#200), all listed among MLB Pipeline’s top 250 eligible players for 2026.
Draft projections in baseball can be more volatile than in other major sports. One key reason is the uncertain trajectory of players’ professional futures. While busts occur in every sport, baseball often requires more time to determine a player’s readiness for the majors, with many top prospects needing substantial seasoning in the minor leagues before they’re ready to compete at the highest level. Some players may never reach the majors at all. Predicting how a draft pick will develop over the next few years is a distinct challenge, sometimes requiring a different set of instincts than those used for NFL or NBA drafts.
Another layer of complexity is forecasting the exact destinations for these players. MLB’s draft structure and the financial constraints each team faces—allocating signing bonuses across their picks—mean clubs may pursue unique strategies that result in surprising selections. With a large contingent of players coming from high school and college, a single team’s contrary assessment can cause a player to rise rapidly on the board.
With all of that in mind, I still want to know which Tar Heel eligible for this year’s draft you believe will eventually enjoy the best MLB career. Considering the rankings mentioned earlier, Hull’s status as a regional hero makes him a favorite in some circles. He batted .393 with a 1.115 on-base-plus-slugging percentage last season, demonstrating a striking ability to hit that could translate to the professional ranks. However, I personally have a hunch about Gallaher that’s worth exploring. He slugged 12 home runs last season, showing notable power for a second baseman. While Gallaher isn’t a sprint threat on the bases, he did successfully steal eight of nine bases last year, illustrating a well-rounded skill set. It’s unlikely there will be a single defining carry that makes him extraordinary, but I can envision him developing into a solid, all-around MLB contributor.
That’s my take, but I’m curious about yours. Put on your projection hat and tell me which Tar Heel will ultimately carve out the best MLB career.