2026 MLB Draft Review: Boston Red Sox

The players

Boston went off the board with their first-round pick, going with UNC shortstop Jake Schaffner. Schaffner received a $2MM bonus, well below the $4.37MM slot.

Schaffner was a wily leadoff hitter for the North Carolina Tar Heels, one who impressed with his speed, ability to make contact, and ability to get on base. The junior posted a .467 on-base percentage, stole 26 bases, and struck out 32 times over 68 games. While Schaffner may not have that high a ceiling compared to some of the other first-rounders, he does have a high floor.

He was followed by Owen Hull, the run producer for the Tar Heels. Hull drove in 87 RBI — not the most important stat, other than an indication of what he can do with RISP — and slugged .615 for UNC. Like Schaffner, a toolsy player who made regular contact and was a stolen-base threat both in Chapel Hill and with George Mason.

The Red Sox used the savings from Schaffner to sign two high school products, Jace Mataczynski in the third round ($2MM) and Martin Shelar ($1.5MM) in the ninth round.

Mataczynski came from the cold-weather environment of Wisconsin but was one of those players who broke out during the 2025 WWBA circuit events, which are very important for high school seniors. He batted over .500 in the WWBA Kernels and World Championships. Strong arm for an infielder, as he was recorded at 90 MPH with his fastball (he did pitch as well).

As for Shelar, he led all Georgia high school players in home runs (19) last season. He’s a physically mature player who showed premium arm strength and would have been a nice get for Brian O’Connor and Mississippi State. Instead, he now becomes one of the more interesting players in the Boston system.

Moving on to the rest of the draft, Baylor pitcher Lucas Davenport was picked in the fifth round. Mid-90s fastball with cut, along with a sinker, slider, and changeup. Davenport struck out 69 over 63.1 IP for the Baylor Bears.

Boston loaded up on more college pitching. Brett Lanman, much like Davenport, was another one of these college pitchers who didn’t have a great ERA — with college pitchers, that stat is significantly more meaningless — but did strike out a lot of hitters. With Abilene Christian, Lanman punched out 76 over 70.2 IP.

Low-to-mid-90s fastball with high carry, along with a cut/slider.

Kide Adetuyi struck out 85 batters over 73 innings this season with FAU. Fastball that sat around 90 MPH, along with a slider and changeup.

As for other notables:

• Georgia State infielder Wills Maginnis stole 21 bases and hit eight home runs for the Panthers this season.
• Cal Poly pitcher Josh Volderming struck out 31 over 27 innings for the Mustangs.