UNC baseball’s Jake Schaffner was selected by the Boston Red Sox with the No. 20 overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft on Saturday, July 11.
Schaffner is the highest draft pick for the Tar Heels since pitcher J.B. Bukauskas went No. 15 overall to the Houston Astros in 2017.
A junior shortstop and North Dakota State transfer, Shaffner’s projected slot value at No. 20 is $4.37 million, meaning his one-and-done season in Chapel Hill led to a big payday. He started all but one game for UNC, thriving in the leadoff spot and as a consistent defender at short.
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Schaffner is the highest draft pick for the Tar Heels since pitcher J.B. Bukauskas went No. 15 overall to the Houston Astros in 2017.
A junior shortstop and North Dakota State transfer, Shaffner’s projected slot value at No. 20 is $4.37 million, meaning his one-and-done season in Chapel Hill led to a big payday. He started all but one game for UNC, thriving in the leadoff spot and as a consistent defender at short.
DREAM COME TRUE: College World Series giving UNC baseball's Cooper Nicholson, Jake Schaffner more Midwest memories
NEXT FOR UNC?: UNC basketball transfer portal tracker, who's in, who's out on 2026-27 roster
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