The 2026 Major League Baseball draft will kick off on Saturday, ushering in a critical juncture for college players across the country who hope to turn their collegiate performances into professional contracts.
Tar Heel prospects to watch
Five North Carolina players are currently projected to be selected in the upcoming draft. The group includes Owen Hull, Jake Schaffner, Ryan Lynch, Jason DeCaro and Gavin Gallaher, each of whom has drawn attention from scouts and analysts alike.
Incoming freshman Harrison Ailshie also appears on ESPN’s final MLB Draft rankings, underscoring the depth of talent the Tar Heels are sending to the professional ranks.
Draft timeline and signing considerations
Teams will have until 5 p.m. ET on July 27 to finalize agreements with their selections, a deadline that carries significant financial implications. Each pick in the first ten rounds is assigned a slot value, influencing the negotiation process for both players and clubs.
Broadcast and coverage details
Fans will be able to follow the action live on a combination of NBC, Peacock, MLB Network and MLB.com, ensuring that the draft reaches a broad audience across traditional television and streaming platforms.
A look back at the 2025 draft
The previous year’s draft saw four Tar Heels selected, with two of those players signing and beginning their professional careers. Notably, Aidan Haugh became the second straight year to be drafted after electing to return to UNC for another season.