Big-bodied strike-thrower who became UNC’s go-to arm and a 2026 MLB Draft pick
In the 2026 season, Lynch gave North Carolina a power righty who could work in multiple roles, then handle major-postseason pressure as a starter, finishing with a 5-4 record, 4.21 ERA and 89 strikeouts in 98 1/3 innings before being selected 97th overall by the Padres. He separates with size, fastball life and competitive toughness, and his rapid rise from key reliever to rotation anchor shows real trust from the staff. The swing-and-miss stuff is the draw; the postseason track record is why teams cared.
