Sox pull off a surprise, take UNC shortstop Jake Schaffner at No. 20
Boston used the 20th pick of the 2026 MLB Draft to select UNC shortstop Jake Schaffner, a surprising choice not expected to go in the first round. The Red Sox targeted Schaffner for his contact skills and defense at short, aiming to sign him under-slot to leave money for additional picks. Schaffner, 21, hit .356/.467/.552 with 6 homers, 33 extra-base hits and 26 steals in 68 games for UNC and helped them reach the College World Series finals. Boston envisions him developing more power and a stronger arm in pro ball, and he’ll join UNC roommate Owen Hull, drafted No. 67, in the same draft haul.