UNC Baseball lands its shortstop of the future with this transfer portal addition

Featuring a veteran team during the 2025 season, it was well-known that the UNC baseball program had some work to do in the transfer portal this offseason.

With a handful of roster voids due to players exhausting their eligibility (and potential MLB Draft picks), Scott Forbes and the Diamond Heels need to replenish that talent by bringing in some transfers who can help that objective.

The shortstop position is a major need for North Carolina, given Alex Madera has exhausted his eligibility. Looking for its third starting shortstop in as many seasons, Forbes seems to have found his guy, securing a commitment from North Dakota State transfer Jake Schaffner.

A top-of-the-order caliber bat, Schaffner put together two very strong seasons at North Dakota State. Over 108 games played, the Janesville, Wisconsin native posted a .353 batting average, swiping 34 bases. Along with his elite ability to get on base (and eventually steal them), Schaffner provides a steady presence at shortstop, a defensive position that is extremely important for any baseball team.

North Carolina has now landed four transfers to help bolster next year's squad. While the names aren't necessarily ones that you often hear about, the Tar Heels have done a nice job in identifying talent that can transition to Chapel Hill nicely.

Let's remember: guys like Alex Madera, Kane Kepley, and Tyson Bass (among others) are some of the transfer portal additions that made big-time noise for the Diamond Heels over the last few seasons.

The UNC baseball program isn't looking to rebuild: they are looking to reload. Coming up just short of a trip to Omaha, the Diamond Heels are motivated to get back there, as Forbes and his staff will ensure that they field the best everyday lineup in order to accomplish that goal.

Adding Schaffner is an underrated move that has the potential of being a big-time addition for the UNC baseball program.