Boston Red Sox complete 2026 MLB Draft class with selections from North Carolina and beyond

By Daniel Foster — 13 July 2026 — 3 min read

The Boston Red Sox have finalized their 2026 MLB Draft class, beginning their selections with two players from the University of North Carolina before diversifying their picks across a range of talents. This year’s draft, which consists of 20 rounds, marks a significant step for these players as they embark on their professional baseball journeys through the minor leagues.

The draft process, while not immediately impacting the highest level of play like in other major sports, serves as the initial gateway for players to join professional organizations. The Red Sox’s selections represent a mix of collegiate talent, with a particular focus on the early rounds.

Tar Heels dominate early Red Sox picks

The Red Sox’s draft began with a notable focus on players from the University of North Carolina. Star shortstop Jake Schaffner was the first Tar Heel selected, taken by Boston with the 20th overall pick in the first round. Schaffner’s selection makes him the highest-picked UNC player since J.B. Bukauskas in 2017, who was chosen 15th overall. This pick also continues a streak for Carolina, marking a first-rounder in each of the last three drafts, a distinction shared by only one other ACC program and three other programs nationally.

Schaffner’s single season in Chapel Hill was impactful, contributing to his team’s appearance in the College World Series final. He concluded his season with a .356 batting average and 85 runs scored, narrowly missing the team’s single-season record. His performance earned him recognition on the All-ACC First Team and All-America honors.

Following Schaffner, Owen Hull was also drafted by the Red Sox in the second round with the 67th pick. This marks the first time in draft history that the first two Tar Heels selected have gone to the same team. Hull, a center fielder, led his team in batting average with .393, hits with 103, and RBIs with 87 during an impressive season. His selection continues a trend for Carolina, as he is the third consecutive Tar Heel center fielder to be drafted in the top two rounds, following Vance Honeycutt and Kane Kepley.

The University of North Carolina saw additional players selected in the early rounds of the draft. Pitchers Jason DeCaro and Ryan Lynch were chosen in the third round. DeCaro was picked by the Pittsburgh Pirates at the 80th slot, while Lynch went to the San Diego Padres at 97th overall. This draft class represents a historic moment for UNC, as it is the first time four of their players have been selected within the first 100 picks.

Additional selections and future prospects

Jason DeCaro concluded his collegiate career with two trips to the College World Series and received All-America honors. In his senior season, he recorded a 2.87 ERA with 99 strikeouts and an 11-3 record. Ryan Lynch, a draft-eligible sophomore, made an immediate impact during his two years, finishing with a career 3.72 ERA in 46 appearances and registering 162 strikeouts.

The Red Sox’s draft class extends beyond these initial picks, encompassing a variety of talents across the 20 rounds of the draft. The full list of selections by Boston in the 2026 MLB Draft is now complete.

Day two of the 2026 MLB Draft was scheduled to begin at 11:30 a.m. ET on Sunday, covering rounds 5-20 until approximately 7:30 p.m. ET.

Source: goheels.com