Red Sox select three hitters, including two UNC transfers, in MLB Draft’s first day
The Boston Red Sox made a notable shift in their draft strategy on the first day of the MLB Draft, selecting three position players with their initial picks. This marks a departure from their recent focus on pitching. The team specifically targeted left-handed batters from the University of North Carolina with their first two selections.
Jake Schaffner, a shortstop, was chosen with the No. 20 pick in the first round. Following him, outfielder Owen Hull was drafted 67th overall in competitive balance round B. Both players are left-handed, contact-first hitters who transferred to UNC.
Jake Bruml, in his first year as the Red Sox scouting director, highlighted the unique connection between Schaffner and Hull. He noted that the two were roommates and best friends, both having transferred to UNC this year. Bruml expressed hope that their chemistry from their College World Series run would carry over to Boston.
The selection of Schaffner at No. 20 surprised some draft experts, as he was rated as the No. 79 prospect by one analysis. Bruml acknowledged the unconventional choice but emphasized Schaffner’s strong bat-to-ball skills and above-average running ability, expecting him to remain in the middle infield.
Schaffner spent his first two college years at North Dakota State before transferring to UNC for his junior year. During that season, he achieved a .356 batting average with six home runs among 33 extra-base hits. His speed and contact skills are considered his primary strengths.
Hull, like Schaffner, transferred to UNC for his junior year after playing his freshman and sophomore seasons at George Mason. He posted a .393 batting average at UNC. His speed, contact skills, and plate discipline are notable, with 48 walks compared to 49 strikeouts last season. Hull also finished second in Division I baseball in hits with 103 and RBIs with 87, and tied for third in doubles with 27.
With their final pick of the first day, the Red Sox selected Jace Mataczynski, a right-handed hitting shortstop from Wisconsin, in the third round at No. 96.
UNC Players Selected
Four players from the University of North Carolina were selected on the first day of the 2026 MLB Draft. Schaffner’s selection marks him as the highest-drafted UNC player since J.B. Bukauskas in 2017. This also makes it the first time in history that UNC has had four players chosen within the first 100 picks.
Schaffner’s impact in his single year at UNC, which included a run to the College World Series final, contributed to his rise in draft projections. He was named to the All-ACC First Team and received All-America honors.
Hull’s strong season at UNC saw him lead the team in batting average, hits, and RBIs. He is the third consecutive Tar Heel center fielder to be drafted in the top two rounds.
In addition to Schaffner and Hull, two UNC pitchers were also drafted in the third round. Jason DeCaro was chosen by the Pittsburgh Pirates at No. 80, and Ryan Lynch went to the San Diego Padres at No. 97 overall. DeCaro, who made two trips to the College World Series, recorded a 2.87 ERA with 99 strikeouts and an 11-3 record in his senior season. Lynch, a draft-eligible sophomore, had a career 3.72 ERA in 46 appearances, striking out 162 batters.
Draft Strategy and Future Outlook
The Red Sox’s focus on hitters represents a shift from their previous two drafts under chief baseball officer Craig Breslow and former scouting director Devin Pearson, which were pitching-heavy. During those drafts, the team selected 29 pitchers out of 41 total picks.
Bruml stated that the focus on hitters was not necessarily intentional, but rather a result of how the draft board aligned. He emphasized that the team aimed to draft the best available player at each spot.
In past drafts, the Red Sox have employed a strategy of selecting underrated players in early rounds to sign them for less than their suggested slot value, then using those savings to offer higher bonuses to later-round picks with high potential. For example, in 2022, they signed Mikey Romero for less than his slot value and used the savings to sign Roman Anthony, a second-round pick, for a higher bonus.
Day two of the 2026 MLB Draft is scheduled to begin at 11:30 a.m. ET on Sunday.
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Source: nytimes.com
