​Rewritten: My Red Sox 1st-round pick could be the shortstop of the future, originally published on NESN. Add NESN as a preferred source by clicking here. Jake Schaffner wasn’t predicted to be selected in the first round by every MLB Draft analyst. Yet the Boston Red Sox clearly like what they see in the shortstop from the University of North Carolina. On Saturday, they made him the No. 20 overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft. Schaffner began his college career at North Dakota State before transferring to UNC, where he enjoyed a breakout that propelled him into the first round. MLB.com ranked him as their No. 75 prospect, but given the financial dynamics of each pick in the MLB Draft, the Red Sox choosing Schaffner 20th could allow them to secure a high-upside talent as the draft progresses.
Standing 6-foot-2 and 200 pounds, Schaffner is a physically imposing shortstop with a smooth left-handed stroke. MLB.com’s draft blurb notes that “Schaffner earned all-Summit League honors in both seasons at North Dakota State and was the Summit defensive player of the year in 2025 before transferring to North Carolina.” They add that he has been a revelation with the Tar Heels, displaying more impact and quickness than anticipated. His on-base ability and scrappy play draw comparisons to former UNC outfielder Kane Kepley, a Cubs second-rounder last year. As a left-handed hitter, Schaffner has a good feel for the barrel and focuses on driving line drives from gap to gap. He possesses a disciplined approach and rarely swings and misses, especially against fastballs.
Because MLB’s path to the majors unfolds more slowly than in some other sports, Schaffner may still be years away from Fenway Park. It’s uncertain which infielders may arrive through other routes in the meantime. Yet the Red Sox appear to have acquired a defensive wizard, with a glove that is only getting better, and that combination should give Schaffner a real chance to be their shortstop of the future.
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