Keeping It Heel
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2020 MLB Draft: Aaron Sabato selected by Minnesota Twins

By Blake Cockrum

CHAPEL HILL, NC - FEBRUARY 19: Aaron Sabato #19 of the University of North Carolina celebrates his home run with teammate Dallas Tessar #7 during a game between High Point and North Carolina at Boshamer Stadium on February 19, 2020 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Andy Mead/ISI Photos/Getty Images)
CHAPEL HILL, NC - FEBRUARY 19: Aaron Sabato #19 of the University of North Carolina celebrates his home run with teammate Dallas Tessar #7 during a game between High Point and North Carolina at Boshamer Stadium on February 19, 2020 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Andy Mead/ISI Photos/Getty Images) /
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North Carolina’s Aaron Sabato was selected 27th overall by the Minnesota Twins in the 2020 MLB Draft.

University of North Carolina first baseman Aaron Sabato was selected by the Minnesota Twins with the 27th overall pick in the 2020 MLB Draft on Wednesday.

Sabato became the 24th Tar Heel taken in the first round or supplemental round in UNC baseball history, and the 16th in Mike Fox’s 21-year tenure with the program. According to the school website, Sabato’s selection marks the 43rd consecutive season that a Tar Heel has been picked in the draft.

"“We are all very happy for Aaron.  He is a special talent and outstanding young man,” said Head Coach Mike Fox. “He was not only a great player for us but a very good student as well.  His future is bright.”"

Sabato helped pace the Tar Heels to a 12-7 record in 2020 before the season was cut short in response to the worldwide coronavirus pandemic. In 19 games, Sabato had a .292 batting average, and a team-leading .478 on-base percentage. He was also first among Tar Heels with a .708 slugging percentage, and a 1.186 OPS. He also led North Carolina in doubles (6), home runs (7), RBIs (18), total bases (46) and walks (22).

Before the season abruptly ended in mid-March, Sabato had hit safely in five of six games. In that five-game stretch, he was hitting .500 with six home runs, 10 RBIs and eight runs scored. The final ACC Player of the Week honor was awarded to Sabato on March 9. The struggling Tar Heels finished the season just five games above .500, and would almost certainly have done much worse without Sabato’s offensive output.

Sabato’s 2020 accolades follow up a terrific freshman season in which he earned a number of All-American honors. In 2019, he carried a .343 batting average to go along with 18 home runs and 63 RBIs. He led the team in hits, doubles, home runs, batting average, on-base percentage, slugging percentage and OPS.

Next. 247Sports ranks 2020 Tar Heels. dark

Stick with Keeping It Heel for more on Aaron Sabato, and the remainder of the 2020 MLB Draft.

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