With the 20th overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft, the Boston Red Sox selected shortstop Jake Schaffner out of the University of North Carolina.
It was a surprise pick for Boston as Schaffner was ranked far lower on most draft boards. The 21-year-old was considered the 75th-best prospect in the class by MLB Pipeline and 97th by Baseball America.
“We prepared for 20 scenarios. I won’t say where this scenario was on that list,” Red Sox director of amateur scouting Jake Bruml said of selecting Schaffner, via MLB.com. “We knew what we were getting into. We were very comfortable with it and, for the record, told (Red Sox) senior leadership, ‘Hey, we are going this route. This is going to be viewed as very off the wall.’”
While he wasn’t viewed as a first-round prospect, Schaffner has an exciting skill set with advanced bat-to-ball skills and speed. After transferring from North Dakota State to UNC, he posted a 1.019 OPS with 33 extra-base hits in 68 games for the Tar Heels.
What else will Schaffner bring to the Red Sox organization? Here’s everything you need to know about Boston’s first-round pick:
Bio
- Birth date: Oct. 4, 2004 (Age: 21)
- Birthplace: Janesville, Wisconsin
- College: University of North Carolina
- Height/Weight: 6-foot-2, 200 pounds
- Position: Shortstop
- Bats: Left
- Throws: Right
2026 stats
- Games: 68
- Batting average: .356
- On-base percentage: .467
- Slugging percentage: .552
- OPS: 1.019
- Hits: 96
- Doubles: 19
- Triples: 8
- Home runs: 6
- Runs batted in: 50
- Stolen bases: 26
- Walks: 45
- Strikeouts: 32
Scouting report (via SoxProspects.com)
“Tall, athletic frame with some remaining projection. Plus hit tool and bat-to-ball skills. Solid plate discpline, does not chase. Has shown success in wood bat leagues. Gap hitter with fringy power, likely will not develop into a big home run threat. Plus speed, solid baserunner and base stealer. Athletic and rangy on defense, reliable glove. Could stick at shortstop, but fringy arm strength may require a move to second base down the line.
“Elite athlete also played football and hockey in high school. Only college baseball offer out of high school was to North Dakota State, where he played for two years before transferring to UNC. Was offered a preferred walk-on spot to play safety at Wisconsin. Played for Hyannis in the Cape Cod League in 2025. Was roommates with fellow Red Sox 2026 draft pick Owen Hull at UNC. High-floor middle-infielder.”
Highlights
