​After guiding Carolina to one of the program’s best seasons, Jake Schaffner, Owen Hull, Jason DeCaro, and Ryan Lynch earned a genuine path toward the major leagues by being selected in the MLB Draft on Saturday. This marks the first time UNC has had four players chosen within the first 100 picks, highlighting a landmark draft for the Tar Heels. Previously, the program had at most three top-100 selections in a single year, accomplished in 2017 and 2009, making the recent draft notable for its breadth and impact.
Schaffner, who helped elevate Carolina’s standing despite not being widely regarded among the top prospects, became the Tar Heels’ third first-round pick in as many years when the Boston Red Sox selected him 20th overall. The Red Sox didn’t stop there; they doubled up on Tar Heels in the second round—officially known as Competitive Balance Round B—adding Owen Hull at the 67th overall slot. In the third round, DeCaro and Lynch continued UNC’s recent run of high selections, with DeCaro going to the Pittsburgh Pirates at No. 80 and Lynch to the San Diego Padres at No. 97.
The MLB has set the suggested signing slots for these picks at $4.37 million for Schaffner (No. 20), $1.32 million for Hull (No. 67), $1.04 million for DeCaro (No. 80), and $808,100 for Lynch (No. 97). However, actual signing amounts can be lower if negotiations lead to other terms or adjustments.
Schaffner and Hull will join a growing contingent of former Tar Heels in the Red Sox organization, alongside Max Carlson (2019-2023) and Shea Sprague (2023-2024). Carlson is currently progressing through Double-A with the Portland Sea Dogs, while Sprague is climbing the ranks at High-A with the Greenville Drive. For Lynch, the path forward leads him to the Padres organization, where he will team with former Tar Heel Cody Roberts (2016-2018), who is now with the Triple-A El Paso Chihuahuas. DeCaro, meanwhile, is set to be the sole former UNC player within the Pirates organization for the moment, though that could change as the draft unfolds.
The MLB Draft resumes Sunday at 11:30 AM ET, opening with Round 5 and running through approximately 7:30 PM ET to conclude the 20th round. All remaining rounds will be broadcast and streamed live on MLB.com, offering fans a front-row seat to see how these Tar Heels’ professional journeys unfold as the draft progresses. This draft marks a historic moment for UNC baseball, underscoring the program’s depth of talent and the potential for several players to reach the majors in the coming years. For UNC fans and followers of the program, the 2024 MLB Draft will be remembered as a decisive milestone in the Tar Heels’ ongoing quest to build a pipeline of professional-ready players.