It's been quite the journey for former Tar Heel Aaron Sabato.
After being selected in the first round of the 2020 MLB Draft, many believed that Sabato would be on a fast track to the pros. His power was on raw display in Chapel Hill, slugging 25 homers in 83 games as a Tar Heel, a skill that comes at a premium in the sport of baseball.
However, Sabato's journey was a bit longer than anticipated.
Now, six seasons into his professional baseball career, the 27-year-old has reached his dream of playing at the big league level.
Aaron Sabato to make his MLB debut for the Minnesota Twins
Following an outstanding season in Triple-A, the Minnesota Twins have decided that Sabato has earned his call-up to the big leagues. The former Diamond Heels' star is set to make his big-league debut when the Twins take on the San Francisco Giants on Monday night.
Welcome to the show, Bato!!! pic.twitter.com/cDd2ZFQCEP
— Minnesota Twins (@Twins) September 21, 2026
Sabato etched his name into the St. Paul Saints record books this season. His 29 doubles set a new single-season franchise record, and his 25 home runs are tied for the most in a season in Saints' Triple-A history.
Over his 599 games at the minor league level, the Rye, New York native has 111 home runs and 353 RBIs to his stat line. Fittingly, his 600th game as a professional baseball player will come at the sport's highest level.
Every path to the big leagues is different. Heck, some players don't ever get to fulfill that dream, regardless of where they are selected in the MLB Draft. For Sabato, it's been a long journey since he departed Chapel Hill, but has worked tremendously hard to get to this stage of his career. Now, all those long days of hard work and dedication at the minor league level have paid off, as he will now get the chance to live out his dream of being a big leaguer.
Get ready to add Aaron Sabato's name to the list of former UNC baseball stars who earned their shot at the MLB level. The program already has a rich history of former Tar Heels who have made their mark, and the hope now is that Sabato isn't just with the Twins to close out the regular season.
The goal is to not just make it to the big leagues, but to stick there for the long-term.
Minnesota has already been eliminated from postseason contention with a week left to go in the regular season. What better time than now to reward Sabato, who put together an incredible season, with a chance to prove his value with the big league club?
Who knows, maybe the Twins might just happen to find a guy that they believe can be an integral part of their everyday lineup in 2027 and beyond.
If you're watching MLB games this week, make sure you tune into the Minnesota Twins games to see former Tar Heel Aaron Sabato in action. Hopefully, some "Bosh Magic" will travel with him as he embarks on his first experience in the major leagues.
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