UNC Baseball: Shea Sprague signs with the Boston Red Sox organization

Shea Sprague is officially heading home.

The former UNC baseball standout has agreed to his first professional contract, as he's signed with the Boston Red Sox organization. This comes after the Red Sox selected the left-hander in the 13th round of the 2024 MLB Draft,

Sprague joined the UNC baseball program before the 2024 season, as he transferred in from Elon. The Hanover, Massachusetts native started the season in the bullpen but quickly transitioned into the starting rotation as the Diamond Heels dealt with various injuries.

Challenged with a bigger role, Sprague responded and became the Tar Heels' No. 2 starter behind freshman ace Jason DeCaro.

Over 17 appearances (15 starts), Sprague posted a 3-2 record with a 4.25 ERA. A second-team All-ACC selection, Sprague isn't a guy who will overpower a hitter, but his lethal changeup and elite command make him a very tough left-hander to face.

Sprague could have elected to return to the Diamond Heels for another season, but who could honestly blame him for fulfilling a lifelong dream by signing with his hometown team!

The UNC baseball program brought in some very important transfers last offseason, and Sprague was definitely one of them. He made a major impact in the Diamond Heels' rotation, stepping up to help guide the Tar Heels back to Omaha.

Sprague's veteran presence will certainly be missed in Chapel Hill, as the Diamond Heels would have loved to have had him back on their pitching staff for another season. However, the time seems right for Sprague to make the jump to the professional level, as he'll look to climb through the minor league system in hopes of one day pitching at Fenway Park.