Red Sox Draft Surprise
Red Sox Defy Consensus, Draft UNC Shortstop Jake Schaffner 20th Overall in 2026 MLB Draft
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Key Points
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Schaffner led Division I with 13 triples this season, highlighting elite speed and the ability to drive balls gap-to-gap—a profile that could play well in Fenway Park’s power-gap environment.
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Schaffner helped UNC reach the College World Series championship series this season, contributing to the Tar Heels’ deep postseason run after transferring from North Dakota State.
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Defensive metrics show Schaffner was a rangy, reliable defender at shortstop with 94 putouts, 141 assists and 3 errors in 68 games, with an arm that scouts view as average and potentially suited to moving to second base.
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MLB Pipeline still projects his arm as below-average, a factor that supports the pro-conversation about a possible transition to second base and his overall defensive ceiling.
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The 67th pick (Competitive Balance Round B) Boston acquired from Milwaukee in a six-player trade was part of the package that included Kyle Harrison, David Hamilton, and Shane Drohan sent to Milwaukee for Caleb Durbin, Anthony Seigler, and Andruw Monasterio.
The Boston Red Sox made one of the night's biggest surprises Sunday, selecting UNC shortstop Jake Schaffner with the 20th overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft, according to MLB.com. Schaffner was ranked around 75th by MLB Pipeline and 98th by Baseball America — making this a massive reach by most industry standards.
The 21-year-old left-handed hitter posted a .356/.467/.552 line in 68 games this season for the Tar Heels, per Boston Globe. He added 19 doubles, 6 home runs, 50 RBIs, and 26 stolen bases. He also led all of Division I with 13 triples.
A Transfer Who Led UNC to the World Series
Schaffner spent two seasons at North Dakota State before transferring to UNC. He quickly became one of the Tar Heels' best players. This spring, he helped UNC reach the College World Series championship series, according to Boston Herald.
His 13 triples led Division I baseball. That number shows off two key skills: elite speed and the ability to hit the ball hard into the gaps. Those skills could translate well to Fenway Park, which has wide power alleys built for gap-to-gap hitters.
Good Glove, Average Arm, Likely a Second Baseman
Schaffner is rangy and reliable at shortstop. In 68 games this season, he recorded 94 putouts, 141 assists, and just 3 errors. That's a clean defensive profile, according to MLB.com.
The one knock is his arm. Scouts view it as average at best. MLB Pipeline projects it as below average. That likely means a move to second base in pro ball. The bat would still play there — and his speed is a weapon at any position.
Limited Power, But Boston Sees a High-Contact Upside
Schaffner is not a power hitter. MLB Pipeline projects him to hit around 10 to 12 home runs per year at the pro level, with his value coming more from doubles and on-base ability. His .467 on-base percentage this spring shows elite plate discipline, per Heavy.com.
Boston's strategy appears to be finding a polished, low-risk bat and signing him below slot value. That would free up money to take higher-upside swings later in the draft. The Red Sox also hold the 67th pick, a Competitive Balance Round B selection acquired from Milwaukee in a six-player trade that sent Kyle Harrison, David Hamilton, and Shane Drohan to the Brewers.
MLB World Reacts to Boston's Bold Gamble
The pick drew immediate reaction online. Most draft analysts had Schaffner well outside the top 50, let alone the top 20. Heavy.com reported that scouts and evaluators were caught off guard by the selection.
Still, Boston sees something the industry missed. Schaffner's contact skills, speed, and defensive versatility give him a clear path to the big leagues. Whether the power develops enough to make him a starter — or he becomes a utility weapon — may define how this pick is judged in three years.
Sentiment
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Publishers
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Articles
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Reach
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