The Pittsburgh Pirates selected UNC pitcher Jason DeCaro in the third round of the 2026 MLB Draft. He was the 80th overall pick.

A three-year starter in the Carolina pitching rotation, DeCaro immediately established himself as a name to know in his freshman season of 2024. Beginning that season at just 17 years old, DeCaro eventually ended it as UNC’s ace. He made four starts during the Diamond Heels’ NCAA Tournament run, including the team’s opening game at the Men’s College World Series against Virginia. UNC won all four of those games.

DeCaro was named to the ACC’s All-Freshman team, earned a second team All-ACC nod and was named a Freshman All-American by both D1Baseball and Perfect Game.

As a sophomore, DeCaro improved on his strong freshman campaign by posting a 9-3 record and a 3.78 earned run average across 83.1 innings, helping UNC put together another outstanding season. He was once again named second team All-ACC.

DeCaro’s junior season saw him reestablish his place as UNC’s top starting pitcher. He led the team in starts (19) and innings pitched (97.1) while recording two of the team’s three complete games. DeCaro’s 11 wins ranked second on the team behind only Caden Glauber, and his 2.87 earned run average tied for third among all ACC pitchers. He was named first team All-ACC for the first time in his career.

DeCaro saved his best collegiate start for one of the season’s critical moments. With the Diamond Heels facing elimination in Game 2 of the NCAA Super Regionals against USC, DeCaro pitched a complete-game shutout while throwing a career-high 117 pitches. He allowed just two hits and struck out eight, all while not allowing a Trojan baserunner to advance past first base.

DeCaro’s heroics helped UNC reach the Men’s College World Series for the second time in three seasons, where the junior made two starts.

The 2026 MLB Draft continues through Sunday in Philadelphia.

 

Featured image via Chapel Hill Media Group/Chance Bragg

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