Red Sox draft SS Jake Schaffner with No. 20 pick

The latest Boston Red Sox pick is in.

Boston selected Jake Schaffner out of the University of North Carolina with the 20th overall pick in the first round of the 2026 MLB Draft on Saturday.

It was a pretty surprising pick, given how MLB.com ranked him 75th in this year’s group.

Schaffner, 21, is 6-foot-2, 200 pounds and hits left-handed.

A native of Gainesville, Wisconsin, he transferred to UNC from North Dakota State for his junior year last season. He broke out to the Tar Heels, and found himself an important part of his team’s exciting College World Series run (Oklahoma defeated UNC in three games).

In 68 games, Schaffner hit .356/.467/.552 with six home runs and 50 RBI. He led his team, which scored 85 points.

“Schaffner has a good feel for the barrel and focuses on gap-to-gap hookup lines,” MLB.com wrote of Schaffner in his pre-draft. Scouting report. “He has a disciplined approach and rarely swings and misses, especially against fastballs.

“While he won’t be a power hitter, he is hitting the ball harder than ever this spring and can produce 10-12 homers a year with a healthy amount of doubles.”

This whopping .467 on-base percentage is due in part to her hitting 17 hits and 45 walks. In contrast, he struck out 13 fewer times than he walked in 270 at-bats.

Schaffner also stole 26 sacks and hit eight threes, a testament to his speed. MLB.com rates his career at the 60 mark on a 20-80 scale.

Defensively, he was excellent at shortstop in 2026. He committed just three errors (good for a .987 fielding percentage) in 68 starts.

“He is a very active and reliable defender at shortstop, although his arm would likely dictate a move to second base in pro ball,” MLB.com noted of Schaffner. “He has below average to marginal pure arm strength and plays like an average because he has a knack for running through balls and using his momentum to create his throws.”

Prior to draft day, Schaffner expressed his excitement at being able to bring his abilities to an MLB franchise.

“I think the most important thing I have to offer is my competitive spirit,” he said. WMTVhis local news station in Madison, Wisconsin. “You know, I’m there. I’m looking forward to winning at everything I do. I’ll do my best.”

“I will bring energy every day. I will try to uplift the people around me.”

Callie Brown

Sports product

Callie Brown is a sports producer for Boston.com, where she covers the Bruins, Celtics, Patriots and Red Sox.