The second day of the 2026 MLB Draft unfolded with a flurry of selections that highlighted the depth of talent emerging from the Tar Heels program. Six players from the University of North Carolina were drafted, completing a class that ties the 2024 group for the most selections under head coach Scott Forbes. The milestone underscores a period of unprecedented exposure for the school's baseball pipeline.
Macon Winslow, a junior catcher who transferred from Duke, heard his name called by the Philadelphia Phillies in the sixth round. Known for his offensive surge, Winslow posted a .282 batting average, hit 10 home runs and drove in 57 runs while maintaining a flawless record in preventing stolen bases, allowing just 10 attempts and recording eight catches.
A Legacy in the Making
Matthew Matthijs, the senior captain and All‑American pitcher, followed with a 17th‑round selection by the Seattle Mariners. Over his collegiate career he compiled a 16‑6 record, a 4.48 ERA and 153 strikeouts across 103 appearances. His durability and command made him a standout in a rotation that consistently delivered high‑leverage innings.
The draft class also reflects the broader impact of Forbes' coaching philosophy. With 27 players drafted since he assumed the head‑coach role, Forbes has positioned North Carolina as a premier source of professional talent. The program's recent surge, highlighted by five picks in the first six rounds — the most since the 2009 class — signals a sustained pipeline that could reshape the team's future roster.
Beyond individual achievements, the selections illustrate the program's ability to develop both bat and arm talent for the professional game. As the draftees move into their respective organizations, they will join a growing contingent of Tar Heels alumni who are expected to make meaningful contributions at the highest levels of baseball.