Colin Hynek becomes the latest to join this Tar Heel loving MLB franchise

If the Chicago Cubs had to be tied to one college baseball program, it would be a safe bet to say they'd want to be paired with the Diamond Heels.

From Michael Busch emerging as a star in the big leagues, to the likes of Kane Kepley and Jake Knapp, who were both selected by the Cubs in the 2025 MLB Draft, former Tar Heels are currently making their mark across the organization.

Now, it's time to add yet another one to the mix!

Colin Hynek signs with the Chicago Cubs as an undrafted free agent

After going undrafted in the 2026 MLB Draft, Colin Hynek has agreed to terms with the Chicago Cubs.

After spending the majority of his collegiate career at Georgia State, Hynek transferred to North Carolina to compete as a graduate level student. He was brought in to add depth behind the plate, forming a duo with Macon Winslow, as his addition became even more important to the Tar Heels as the season went along.

Winslow, who was serving as the everyday catcher, suffered an injury that hampered him throughout the second half of the season. This made Hynek even more valuable for the Diamond Heels, as he took over as the team's full-time starting catcher.

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In 69 games played, Hynek slugged 10 homers and drove in 59 runs, providing steady production both offensively and defensively. He posted a .989 fielding percentage, recording 18 assists and 349 putouts while making just four errors.

Arguably his biggest swing as a Tar Heel came in the Chapel Hill Regional against East Carolina. The Tar Heels' catcher stepped up to the plate with his team down 3-0, and after a brief timeout with head coach Scott Forbes, Hynek did something that gave the Diamond Heels new life.

That one swing not only gave North Carolina new life, but started the rally to secure a spot in the Chapel Hill Regional finals. We all know what happened next, as UNC eventually advanced to the Super Regionals, then clinched a ticket to Omaha and proceeded to stay there until the very last day of the 2026 college baseball season.

While most programs would've suffered when their starting catcher was limited due to injury, the Tar Heels just made one swap in the regular lineup to adjust. Hynek's presence behind the dish was huge for the Diamond Heels in their run to the College World Series Championship series, picking up essentially right where Winslow left off.

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Hynek wasn't projected to be selected in this year's draft, but it wasn't out of the realm to think that a Major League organization would take a chance on him. A veteran backstop who possesses a good amount of power with the bat, franchises are always looking for guys who can handle a pitching staff while providing something offensively as well.

For the Cubs, why not take a chance on Hynek. After all, the franchise has done well with the former Tar Heels they have acquired in recent memory, hoping that Hynek can be the next in line to make some noise in Chicago.

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