Another Tar Heel is Boston bound as the Red Sox continue their UNC pipeline

The Boston Red Sox already love what they've seen from former Tar Heels Jake Schaffner and Owen Hull.

With this in mind, the franchise decided it had room to bring another former Diamond Heel to the organization.

Cameron Padgett signs with the Boston Red Sox

Padgett, a right-hander from Salisbury, North Carolina, has agreed to terms with the Red Sox organization. An undrafted free agent, Padgett earned a professional contract and will begin his time with the Red Sox with the Salem Ridge Yaks, the franchise's Single-A affiliate.

Padgett appeared in 70 games during his four seasons as a Tar Heel, fulfilling a variety of roles for Scott Forbes' pitching staff. Mostly as a reliever, Padgett recorded a 5-2 record with a 5.70 ERA, striking out 90 hitters over his 120 innings of work.

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Tying a career-high in appearances this season, Padgett was called upon in a variety of roles for the Diamond Heels team that made it all the way to the College World Series Championship series. Other than making one start, Forbes mostly used Padgett in key spots where the Tar Heels needed outs.

After going undrafted, Padgett was still fighting for his chance to play in the pros. He spent some time with the West Virginia Black Bears in the MLB Draft League, a spot that gave him the exposure to earn the contract he was seeking. An outing on July 30, one in which he allowed one run over five innings, seemed to be the turning point in helping him land with an MLB club.

Boston has grown fond of the Tar Heels in recent memory. It's not often that an organization goes back-to-back selections from the same school, showing just how close they were following the Diamond Heels during their deep run in Omaha.

This is a great opportunity for Padgett, a guy who deserves the opportunity. It's not often that you see guys in his situation stick around a university for the duration of their college career, as Padgett could've transferred to another school where a more prominent role would've been available to him.

However, Padgett stuck it out, worked his tail off, and was always ready when his number was called.

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A versatile right-hander, Padgett could become a valuable arm for the Red Sox over time. While coming out of the bullpen has been his calling card, he has proven he can start and provide multiple innings of work, adjusting to whatever role his team needs him to fill. It also helps that he is a tremendous locker room guy, always being the first one to support his teammates whether he was on the mound or in the dugout.

Tar Heel fans will be ecstatic to hear this news, as yet another former Diamond Heel is heading to the pros. Add Cameron Padgett to the list of former Tar Heels to keep tabs on in the minor leagues!

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