The 2026 MLB Draft delivered a familiar name to the Pittsburgh Pirates as they selected University of North Carolina right‑hander Jason DeCaro with the 80th overall pick, capping a collegiate career that combined durability, strike‑out ability, and a projected slot value of $1.03 million.
A collegiate trajectory
DeCaro arrived in Chapel Hill as a 17‑year‑old freshman thrust into a starting role, quickly establishing himself as a reliable arm in the rotation. Over his three seasons he posted an 11‑3 record with a 2.87 ERA, striking out 99 batters in 97 ⅓ innings while serving as the ace of what coaches dubbed the ‘arm barn.’
Numbers that turned heads
His final season showcased a 3.46 ERA and a 26‑7 record, performances that helped the Tar Heels stay alive in the Chapel Hill Super Regional with a shutout against USC. The outing underscored his capacity to command the strike zone under pressure.
Slot value and future expectations
The slot value attached to the 80th pick sits at $1.03 million, reflecting both his projected upside and the financial calculus teams use when allocating resources to early‑round talent. Analysts expect DeCaro to develop into a starter at the next level, citing his proven durability over more than 200 innings at UNC.
A legacy among Tar Heel pitchers
DeCaro joins a lineage of North Carolina pitchers who have found success in the professional ranks, following the recent selections of Jake Schaffner and Owen Hull by the Boston Red Sox. Their departures highlight the program’s reputation for producing polished arms ready to compete on baseball’s biggest stage.
The Pirates’ decision to draft DeCaro underscores a strategic focus on adding depth to their pitching rotation, and his transition from Chapel Hill to Pittsburgh will be closely watched by fans and scouts alike as he begins the next chapter of his career.