Boston Red Sox select UNC shortstop Jake Schaffner and outfielder Owen Hull in 2026 MLB Draft

The Boston Red Sox used their first‑round pick (20th overall) in the 2026 MLB Draft to select North Carolina shortstop Jake Schaffner, a contact‑oriented hitter who posted a .356/.467/.552 slash line, six home runs and 26 stolen bases in his sole season with the Tar Heels. Red Sox amateur scouting director Jake Bruml said Schaffner’s “offensive skillet aligns very well with our player development group.” The club also took UNC center‑fielder Owen Hull in the Competitive Balance Round B (67th overall). Hull posted a .393 batting average and a .500 on‑base percentage, hitting nine home runs and stealing 18 bases while delivering strong defensive performance in center field.

Both selections represent a rare pairing of two Tar Heels on the same MLB team; it is the first time Boston has drafted two UNC players in the first 100 picks. The Red Sox entered the draft with 19 selections, having forfeited their second and fourth‑round picks after signing free‑agent pitcher Ranger Suarez. Additional UNC players taken on Day 1 included third‑rounder Jace Mataczynski. The draft moves reflect Boston’s strategy of using bonus‑pool flexibility to reach for players they value for contact ability and defensive upside.