The 2026 MLB Draft is officially in the books.
As expected, North Carolina, the runner-up in this year's College World Series Championship series, lost some key contributors who are now set to begin their professional baseball careers.
While the Diamond Heels lost some significant talent, the story of the undrafted players is just as big of a headline, as Scott Forbes' team will be retaining some major players as well.
When you think of "winners" in this draft class, North Carolina definitely fits the bill. Having four players selected on day one and six overall while bringing back some notable names to help make another Omaha run in 2027, UNC, as Miley Cyrus once sang about, has the "best of both worlds."
Here's a recap of the 2026 MLB Draft for the UNC baseball program.
Drafted Tar Heels
Following an incredible lone season in Chapel Hill, Jake Schaffner was the first Diamond Heels player to hear his name called in this year's draft.
Projected as a top-75 player in this draft class, it was surprising to many to see the Boston Red Sox select the Tar Heels' shortstop with the No. 20 overall pick in the first round. Fans of the Tar Heels weren't surprised, given what they witnessed Schaffer do all season
A finalist for the 2026 Brooks Wallace Award, Schaffner proved to be an elite transfer portal addition for Scott Forbes and the Diamond Heels. The left-handed hitting shortstop has been the catalyst at the top of the order for the Tar Heels, finishing the season with a .356 batting average. He recorded 96 hits (33 extra-base hits), 50 RBIs, 45 walks and 26 stolen bases while providing elite-level defense at his position.
The Red Sox weren't satisfied with taking just one Tar Heel in this year's draft- they ended up with two within the first 70 picks!
A transfer from George Mason, Owen Hull put together a first-team All-American season, finishing with a .393 average with 103 hits, 27 doubles, and 87 RBI. His totals gave him the second-most hits and RBI in the NCAA and the third-most doubles. He came up just four RBI short of setting a new single-season program record, which has been 91 since 2013, held by Colin Moran.
Hull was an incredible presence in center field for the Tar Heels, as he now looks to call Fenway Park his future home ballpark.
The ace of the Diamond Heels for each of his three seasons on campus, Jason DeCaro was the man Scott Forbes turned to in big-time games.
As evidenced by his complete-game shutout in his final start at Boshamer Stadium in the Chapel Hill Super Regionals, DeCaro arrived in Chapel Hill as a 17-year-old freshman and developed into a pitcher whose best baseball is still very much ahead of him.
When it comes to experience, DeCaro might just be the most experienced pitcher in this draft class. He was the ace on not one but two UNC baseball teams that made the trip to Omaha, pitching on the sport's biggest stage on multiple occasions throughout his collegiate career.
Now, Pittsburgh, one of the best franchises at developing young pitchers, hopes that DeCaro will become a fixture in their starting rotation for years to come.
From New Jersey to Chapel Hill to San Diego!
Ryan Lynch is heading to the West Coast after being selected by the San Diego Padres in the third round of the 2026 MLB Draft.
Lynch was a workhorse for the Diamond Heels this season, logging 98.1 innings pitched over 19 appearances (18 starts). He finished the season with a 5-4 record with a 4.21 ERA, putting together some big-time starts when his turn in the rotation came around. His versatility is enticing for the Padres to work with, as he started his tenure in Chapel Hill as one of Forbes' key relievers out of the bullpen.
Whatever role he's asked to fulfill, Lynch will use his power-pitching mentality to get outs.
Macon Winslow was the first of two Tar Heels drafted on day two of this year's draft, being selected by the Philadelphia Phillies, the host for this year's All-Star Game festivities.
Winslow battled through injury during the second half of his lone season at North Carolina but showed what he's capable of early on in the season when he was fully healthy.
Overall, Winslow finished the 2026 campaign with a .282 batting average, 10 home runs, and 57 RBIs. The Phillies hope that he can return to full strength and be the catcher of the future for the franchise.
The best story of day two for the UNC baseball program revolves around reliever Matthew Matthijs, who overcame a significant injury that he suffered during the 2025 season to return to the mound for his final season as a Tar Heel.
While he wasn't the guy we saw dominate hitters prior to his elbow injury, Matthijs showed flashes of getting back to being that guy. As he still is looking to regain his form, the Seattle Mariners took a flyer on him, selecting him with their 17th round pick.
Just wait until Matthijs gets closer to a full bill of health. We could see him skyrocket through the Mariners minor league system, given he has the ability to be a lockdown reliever and could help the big league club sooner rather than later.
Notable undrafted Tar Heels
Of the Tar Heels who did not hear their name called, Gavin Gallaher is clearly the most significant of the bunch.
Considered nearly a lock to begin his pro career, Gallaher did not get drafted, which likely was due to his team looking for a specific signing bonus and not getting it. With two seasons of eligibility at the college ranks to work with, Gallaher had leverage and used it, and it is benefitting the Diamond Heels knowing that their clutch Gold Glove Award winning second baseman is returning for another season.
Erik Paulsen quickly became a fan-favorite in Chapel Hill and is now set to return for his second season on campus.
An elite defensive first baseman with an impressive offensive approach, Paulsen has the potential to take a big leap in production in 2027. The Diamond Heels will be thrilled to have his bat back in the lineup for another season, providing stability in all aspects of the game.
After leading the team in home runs in his first season as a Tar Heel, Cooper Nicholson earned some MLB Draft attention.
However, he was another Tar Heel who did not get selected, but his return to North Carolina gives Scott Forbes three of his four starting infielders from the 2026 squad, providing a major boost as the Diamond Heels continue to reload for the upcoming season.
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