The 2026 MLB draft wrapped up last weekend, with six Tar Heels getting selected by a major league team. Somewhat surprisingly, Gavin Gallaher wasn’t one of them; the clutch-hitting junior wasn’t selected, and will return to UNC next season to further hone his skills (and presumably make some decent NIL money).
Five different MLB teams selected a Tar Heel, with the Red Sox opting to grab both Jake Schaffner and Owen Hull. Coming off an impressive post-season showing, Jason Decaro is heading to Pittsburgh.
Ryan Lynch and Matthew Matthijs will both head west and join the San Diego Padres and Seattle Mariners, respectively. Macon Winslow was drafted by the Phillies to round out the Carolina selections.
So, who ended up in the best spot for to further their development and career? It’s obviously an opinion-based question, but let’s give it a shot. The Red Sox are known as a pretty decent farm system to play for; and development aside, both Schaffner and Hull have to be a little stoked to have their college roommate in the same organization. That being said, I feel like Ryan Lynch landed in a good spot with the Padres. According to Padres vice president Chris Kemp, the team has had an eye on Lynch much of the year and thinks he has starter potential. Having that kind of vote of confidence coming in helps; playing in a pitcher-friendly park in a lower pressure organization like the Padres is good as well. So, my answer would be Lynch; it seems like he landed in a great spot to make his MLB aspirations a reality.
Which Diamond Heel do you think landed in the best spot? Let us know below!
