Red Sox Top Draft Picks & UNC Teammates Set to Debut with Drive

The next wave of Boston Red Sox talent has officially arrived in Greenville.

The Boston Red Sox have assigned their top two selections from the 2026 MLB Draft — shortstop Jake Schaffner and outfielder Owen Hull — to the Greenville Drive, where the former University of North Carolina teammates will continue their baseball journey together for the remainder of the 2026 South Atlantic League season.

Selected just 47 picks apart during the 2026 MLB Draft, Schaffner (20th overall) and Hull (67th overall) helped lead North Carolina to one of the most successful seasons in program history, including an appearance in the 2026 College World Series and national runner-ups, before hearing their names called by the Red Sox. Now, the two Tar Heels will wear Greenville across their chests as they begin climbing one of baseball's premier player development systems.

Schaffner established himself as one of college baseball's premier contact hitters during his career in Chapel Hill. A left-handed hitting shortstop with outstanding speed and defensive versatility, he consistently set the tone atop the Tar Heels' lineup while providing elite bat-to-ball skills and an exceptional on-base presence. His combination of athleticism, baseball instincts, and leadership made him one of the nation's most respected middle infielders and ultimately convinced the Red Sox to select him with the 20th overall pick in the draft.

Hull enjoyed a breakout campaign in his lone season at North Carolina after transferring from George Mason. The left-handed hitting center fielder became one of the ACC's most dynamic offensive players, leading the Tar Heels with a .393 batting average while posting a .500 on-base percentage and .615 slugging percentage. His 103 hits ranked among the nation's leaders, while his speed was on full display with eight triples, tied for the most in Division I baseball. Hull's impressive postseason helped cement his status as one of the top outfielders in the 2026 draft class.

The duo also made history together in Chapel Hill. Their selections marked the first time two North Carolina teammates were drafted by the same Major League organization in the same draft, allowing them to continue their partnership as members of the Red Sox organization.

Now, Drive fans will have the opportunity to watch two of Boston's newest and brightest prospects begin writing the next chapter of that tradition.

Schaffner and Hull will make their professional debuts as the Drive close out their six-game series in Asheville. Their first opportunity to play in front of the home fans at Fluor Field is Tuesday, August 4th, as the Drive continue their push toward the 2026 South Atlantic League postseason.

Fans can purchase tickets for all remaining 2026 Greenville Drive home games by visiting GreenvilleDrive.com, calling (864) 240-4500, or stopping by the Fluor Field Box Office.