Jake Knapp: from National Pitcher of the Year to MLB Draft pick

If you would have asked Jake Knapp a year ago, he probably would've had doubts about his future in the sport of baseball.

Rehabbing from Tommy John surgery, the right-hander was working toward returning to the mound, fresh off missing the UNC baseball program's run to Omaha. With one season of eligibility remaining, Knapp made it his goal to impact his team, leaving it all on the line every time he stepped on the mound.

No one would have ever guessed that he would've been as dominant as he was!

The reigning National Pitcher of the Year has been selected by the Chicago Cubs in the eighth round of the 2025 MLB Draft. He becomes the fourth Tar Heel to hear their name called, as he'll join Kane Kepley with the Cubs organization.

A Consensus All-American, Knapp put together an incredible 14-0 record, as North Carolina won each of his 15 starts. He posted a 2.02 ERA (fourth best in the country) over his 102.1 innings of work.

What's even more impressive is his 88 strikeouts to just 16 walks. He nearly broke the program record in WHIP, finishing .03 away from surpassing it.

Now, Knapp doesn't have the type of swing and miss stuff that other pitchers in this draft class possess. That, along with his age, likely impacted his draft stock, but nonetheless, all it takes is one team to fall in love with you enough to draft you.

For Knapp, that team is the Chicago Cubs.

This is the type of story that makes sports great. A guy who worked tremendously hard, overcoming a severe injury, to dominate upon his return to the mound, ultimately leading to him being selected in the MLB Draft.

The best part about it is this: Jake Knapp still has plenty of work to do on the mound. Knowing him, he still has plenty more in the tank to offer.