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North Carolina baseball’s impact on the professional level grew after another player heard his name in the draft.
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The Boston Red Sox selected Jake Schaffner No. 20 in the 2026 MLB Draft this weekend. Schaffner was projected to be a second- or third-round pick but found himself in the first round. His signing bonus is worth $4.37 million. A UNC player has been drafted in the first round for three straight years.
The lefty has been compared to former Tar Heel and second-rounder Kane Kepley, according to his MLB Draft profile, for his scrappiness and ability to reach base. Scouts expect Schaffner to move to second base in the pros.
Schaffner was a one-year player for the Tar Heels after spending two seasons at North Dakota State. The junior from Wisconsin finished his college career with a .356 batting average and .488 slugging percentage. In his three years, Schaffner contributed 244 hits, 175 runs and 88 RBIs.
“That kid brings it every day,” UNC head coach Scott Forbes said on June 21. “Nobody recruited him much, went to North Dakota, and, thankfully, he picked us. I think he’s one of the best shortstops in the country. I know he’s one of the best overall players and teammates, and one of the most impressive young men that I’ve ever coached, just because of his grittiness and how hard he plays. He plays through some nicks and bruises, but, man, I feel like he’s always ready up there and ready for the big moment.”
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Schaffner was second on the team in batting average, on-base percentage and total bases, behind teammate Owen Hull. He was third in slugging. The 6-2 shortstop also led the Tar Heels with 85 runs scored.
During the NCAA Tournament, Schaffner hit .700 when he had runners in scoring position.
On defense, Schaffner committed just three errors on the season, none of which occurred during ACC or NCAA Tournament play.
He has a long list of accolades, including Summit League Defensive Player of the Year, All-Summit League first team honors in 2024 and 2025, and All-ACC first team recognition this season.
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