​The MLB Draft officially began on Saturday, and 135 players heard their names called as teams began shaping their rosters for the seasons ahead. Four Tar Heels—Jake Schaffner, Owen Hull, Jason DeCaro, and Ryan Lynch—secured new locations on Day One, signaling a strong start for North Carolina in this draft cycle. The Boston Red Sox selected Schaffner with the 20th overall pick, a choice that many believed would go elsewhere given his pre-draft projections. The selection added a notable chapter to UNC’s recent success, underscoring the program’s status as a premier source of collegiate talent.
Schaffner’s first-round selection had a broader impact beyond the immediate headlines. It positioned North Carolina as the only Atlantic Coast Conference baseball program, and one of just four teams nationally, to land a first-round pick in three consecutive seasons. The trend continued in 2025 when the Seattle Mariners chose Luke Stevenson 35th overall, followed by Vance Honeycutt’s 2024 selection as the Baltimore Orioles’ 22nd overall pick. Schaffner’s performance for UNC in 2026 underscored his draft stock: he reached base almost every time he came to the plate, posting a .356 batting average with 96 hits, drawing 45 walks, and being hit by a pitch 17 times. He also stood out on the bases, stealing 26 bags and scoring 85 runs, placing him among the top speed threats on the Tar Heels.
Hull also found a new home with the Red Sox, selected 67th overall in the Competitive Balance Round B. The Pirates picked DeCaro at 80th overall, and the San Diego Padres selected Lynch 97th overall. Together, these selections positioned North Carolina’s top two starters as third-round picks, marking a notable level of depth in UNC’s pitching and overall roster.
Looking ahead, UNC had hoped Lynch might return for another season in 2027, potentially leveraging a top-three round selection with another productive year. DeCaro, who also had remaining eligibility, was likely to weigh his options as well, though the financial and professional opportunity presented by a draft selection often proves compelling for players at this level.
As for how quickly Schaffner could transition from the minor leagues to the majors, recent first-round experiences suggest a relatively swift path for players who perform at a high level early in their professional careers. For instance, former Golden Spikes Award winner and national champion Dylan Crews progressed rapidly toward the Show, illustrating that the timeline for Schaffner’s potential debut could be shorter than some expect.
For ongoing updates and coverage of North Carolina Tar Heels news, notes, and opinions, follow Tar Heels Wire on X and like the page on Facebook. This feature originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire, highlighting how Jake Schaffner’s MLB Draft selection helped UNC baseball make history and shine on a national stage.