July 11, 2026 at 3:18 PM
Red Sox select Jake Schaffner with first-round pick
Schaffner spent one season at North Carolina after transferring from North Dakota State, where he was a two-time All-Summit League First Team honoree and the 2025 Summit League Defensive Player of the Year. As a junior this past spring, the left-handed hitting 21-year-old batted .356/.467/.552 with 19 doubles, eight triples, six home runs, 50 RBIs, 85 runs scored, 26 stolen bases, 45 walks, and 32 strikeouts in 68 games (339 plate appearances) for the Tar Heels. He was named a 2026 First Team All-ACC selection.
A native of Wisconsin who went undrafted out of high school (where he also played football and hockey) in 2023, Schaffner has been recognized for his athleticism and scrappy style of play. Baseball America notes that while the 6-foot-2, 175-pound infielder lacks power, he possesses plus speed and the ability to get out of the batter's box quickly. MLB Pipeline describes him as a "rangy and extremely reliable defender at shortstop," though his arm strength -- or lack thereof -- may ultimately result in a move to second base upon going pro.
Schaffner, who turns 22 in October, is the first college infielder the Red Sox have taken in the first round of a draft since Deven Marrero (24th overall, 2012). The slot value for the 20th overall pick in this year's draft is $4,373,900.
Photo Credit: Jake Schaffner from goheels.com