​UNC baseball’s Owen Hull heard his name called by the Boston Red Sox with the No. 67 overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft on Saturday, July 11. Hull will head to New England to join teammate Jake Schaffner, who was selected by the Red Sox at No. 20. With Hull and Schaffner chosen by the same organization within the first three rounds, North Carolina achieved a first since 2019, when the Mariners picked Dustin Ackley (2), Alex White (15) and Kyle Seager (82). Hull, a junior outfielder and a transfer from George Mason, represents the latest in a string of UNC center fielders tapped early by MLB clubs. Vance Honeycutt went at No. 22 in 2024 and Kane Kepley at No. 56 in 2025, continuing a Tar Heel trend of producing dynamic defensive-and-offensive center field options. Hull’s projected slot value at No. 67 is $1.32 million.
Hull has been a standout performer for UNC, and his emergence into a professional pipeline adds another compelling chapter to the program’s recent success. He was a central figure in UNC’s improbable run this season, culminating in his “O Zone” moniker as the Tar Heels’ top offensive threat. He led the team in batting average, OPS and RBIs, displaying a rare combination of contact ability, power, and on-base discipline. Across 69 games as a regular in center field, Hull posted an average that underscored his consistency and impact. His postseason performance amplified that narrative, as he hit at a staggering .479 with 12 RBIs over 12 NCAA Tournament games, including a walk-off double that propelled UNC to the College World Series. That moment encapsulated his poise under pressure and his knack for delivering in clutch situations.
Offensively, Hull exudes a blend of physicality and confidence. He came into Chapel Hill with a one-and-done mindset, and even though he faced a slow start, he navigated the update-and-adjust cycle successfully, becoming one of college baseball’s most dangerous hitters. He remains a work in progress defensively in the outfield, with his speed and athleticism nonetheless enabling him to cover substantial ground and contribute on the bases. In time, he could refine his reads and routes to become a well-rounded defender, but his present upside, hand speed, and plate presence position him well for the next level.
From a scouting perspective, Hull projects as a player with the ceiling to develop into a productive major league outfielder. His speed translates well to center field, and his bat-to-ball skills, combined with mature approach at the plate, give him a solid foundation to build on in professional development environments. While Hull may need time to adjust to higher-level pitching and the intricacies of defense at the professional level, his track record at UNC—especially his performance in high-leverage moments—provides a compelling reason for the Red Sox to invest in his potential.
Rodd Baxley covers North Carolina Tar Heels athletics for The Fayetteville Observer as part of the USA TODAY Network. You can follow his ACC coverage on X/Twitter or Bluesky at @RoddBaxley. If you have questions about UNC, you can reach him at rbaxley@usatodayco.com. This piece originally appeared in The Fayetteville Observer with a focus on UNC baseball’s Owen Hull and his transition to the Boston Red Sox for readers seeking deeper insights and context about his draft selection and potential impact in the majors.