By R.L. Bynum
North Dakota State shortstop Jake Schaffner, one of the most sought-after mid-major players in the transfer portal, on Thursday became North Carolina’s fourth commitment.
He’ll be the Tar Heels’ likely shortstop replacement for Alex Madera, who has no remaining eligibility. Inforum.com reported on June 4 that a source said that Schaffner would command “six-figures.”
Schaffner, who entered the portal on June 3, was a semifinalist for the Brooks Wallace Award, which goes to college baseball’s best shortstop. He made six errors in 55 games, with a .972 fielding percentage.
On May 3, in an 8–4 win over Oral Roberts, North Dakota State’s leadoff man went 4 for 5 with two RBI and a steal.
The rising junior from Janesville, Wisc., was the Summit League Defensive Player of the Year and a first-team All-Summit League selection last season while hitting .364 with 15 extra-base hits and 17 steals, walking 22 times and striking out only 27 times. He made the All-Summit League first team as a freshman.
North Dakota went 21–34, but made the NCAA tournament by winning the Summit League tournament championship. The Bison went 1–2 in the Fayetteville Regional, losing to Arkansas, which is in the College World Series. Schaffner was 3 of 10 with two walks during the regional.
Schaffner earned a spot on the College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Team.
The ACC champion Tar Heels earlier got commitments from Stony Brook first baseman Eric Paulson, Georgia State catcher Colin Hynek and Georgia State left fielder Michael Maginnis.
Top photo via @jake.schaffner7 on Instagram
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