​Alabama junior shortstop Justin Lebron was selected 18th overall in the first round of the MLB Draft by the Cincinnati Reds. Born in the Bronx, New York, Lebron moved with his family to Miramar, Florida at a young age. He initially committed to Rice, but an late offer from Alabama convinced him to flip his commitment and join the Tide. Lebron became Alabama’s seventh ever first-round pick, and the second-highest since outfielder Joe Vitello went seventh to Kansas City in 1991. Alabama has now had a first-round pick in three consecutive years, with Ben Hess going to the Yankees in 2024 and Riley Quick to the Twins in 2025.
Arriving at Alabama at about 155 pounds, Lebron was projected as a defensive stalwart more than a power hitter. Instead, the athletic infielder surprised the baseball world in his freshman season by posting a .338/.429/.546 line with a .975 OPS, nine doubles, 12 home runs, 73 hits, 56 runs, and seven stolen bases in seven attempts. His standout performance earned him a place on the All-SEC and All-Freshman SEC teams, the All-SEC Defensive Team, Freshman All-American honors, and a second-team All-American nod. Following that season, Lebron joined the U.S. National Team.
By his sophomore year, Lebron added a notable amount of muscle and exploded to a .316 batting average, 73 hits, 18 doubles, 18 home runs, 72 RBIs, and a .316/.421/.636 slash line with a 1.058 OPS. He also stole 17 bases in 18 attempts and collected more accolades, remaining on All-SEC and All-American rosters. He returned for his junior season at 6’3” and 195 pounds, helping Alabama reach the College World Series for the first time in 27 years. That season he posted a .277 average with 16 home runs, 13 doubles, 48 RBIs, a .277/.386/.572 line, and a .984 OPS, while swiping 42 bases in 43 attempts. Despite slightly lower numbers, Lebron earned All-American honors and All-Region recognition for a third straight year. Over his three-year career, Lebron hit .309 with 212 hits, 40 doubles, 46 home runs, 152 RBIs, 392 total bases, 82 walks, 43 hit-by-pitches, and 66 stolen bases in 68 attempts.
What will the Reds be getting in Lebron? Cincinnati will receive a five-tool contributor who can impact the game with hitting, power, speed, fielding, and arm strength. Lebron is a premier baserunner with plus speed, a dynamic glove, and a powerful throwing arm, plus a three-year batting average over .300. He embodies a team-first mentality, playing with passion and a touch of flair. He is also known as a loyal teammate, having refused multiple NIL offers to transfer after his first two seasons in order to stay with Alabama, his coaches, and his teammates.
Matt Reida, who coached Lebron during his high school days at Archbishop McCarthy in Fort Lauderdale and later became Alabama’s lead recruiter, notes Lebron’s upside. Reida, now the Recruiting Coordinator at Coastal Carolina, recalls that Lebron stood out from the start and emphasized his eagerness to grow and compete at the highest levels.