Ryan Lynch Drafted by Padres, Fourth Tar Heel Picked Early
Ryan Lynch has become the fourth North Carolina player selected within the initial three rounds of the 2026 MLB Draft, with the San Diego Padres selecting him at pick number 97. This selection highlights the program's success in developing talent.
The San Diego Padres have added North Carolina's Ryan Lynch to their system, selecting him with the 97th overall pick in the 2026 Major League Baseball Draft. Lynch's selection marks the fourth time a Tar Heel player has been chosen within the first three rounds of this year's draft.
Lynch, a draft-eligible sophomore, enjoyed a significant workload during his recent season, demonstrating his durability and effectiveness on the mound. His performance further underscores the consistent player development capabilities of the University of North Carolina baseball program.
The Padres continue to build depth with smart picks. Lynch's selection is a testament to UNC's consistently strong player development pipeline.
