​PHILADELPHIA — For the second consecutive year, the Cincinnati Reds opened the first round by selecting a shortstop from Alabama. This time, the Reds used the 18th overall pick to pick Justin Lebron, the University of Alabama’s shortstop, following last year’s choice of high school standout Steele Hall.
Lebron, 21, came into the draft with strong recognition, ranking as the ninth-best prospect overall according to MLB Pipeline. On the draft stage in Philadelphia, Lebron spoke about the personal growth he has experienced through adversity. “I had to struggle at times a lot, and I think that builds character,” he said in a video played during the proceedings. “I think that builds character. I found a way.” His resilience and perseverance are part of what makes him an intriguing addition to the Reds’ infield pipeline.
This marks the Reds’ continued pattern of awarding early-round opportunities to infield talents from Alabama. In the two prior years, the Reds also held the No. 18 pick and used it to select players who would go on to leave a lasting imprint on the franchise. In 1990, the Reds picked Jack Armstrong, a pitcher who later became an All-Star and a World Series champion, and in 2022 they selected infielder Cam Collier. Collier has emerged as a notable prospect within the Reds’ system, currently positioned as the sixth-ranked prospect in the organization per MLB Pipeline. He is a corner infielder who has made his mark at Double-A Chattanooga and was the 2023 Futures Game MVP, highlighting the Reds’ continued emphasis on cultivating offensive versatility and defensive reliability from the infield.
Lebron’s collegiate career with the Alabama Crimson Tide further underscored his potential. He plays shortstop and has demonstrated a blend of speed, fielding proficiency, and offensive upside that aligns with contemporary Major League expectations for middle-infield players. While Alabama fans were familiar with Lebron’s contributions, his selection by the Reds signals the organization’s confidence in his ability to translate college production into professional success.
The Alabama product’s presence at shortstop also fits into the Reds’ broader strategy for developing a robust infield nucleus from within their system, pairing Lebron’s upside with the tested leadership and experience of players who have already navigated high-stakes competition. In Lebron, Cincinnati is banking on a combination of athleticism, hands, and a continued refinement of his approach at the plate to create a long-term contributor who can anchor the middle of the infield as he ascends through the minors.
Lebron’s entry into the professional ranks comes at a moment of optimism for a Reds organization that has prioritized drafting versatile infielders with the potential for both immediate impact and future upside. As he begins his professional journey, his development will be watched closely to determine how his tools translate to game-day consistency, how his defensive range and arm strength play at higher levels, and how his bat speed and approach evolve against more advanced pitching.
This selection also continues to fuel comparisons and expectations for the Reds’ farm system, which has steadily emphasized a blend of polished college performers and high-upside young talent. With Cam Collier entrenched as a top in-system prospect and Lebron joining the fold at No. 18, Cincinnati is reinforcing a framework aimed at developing a steady stream of infield contributors who can eventually step into major league roles. The combination of Lebron’s college experience, plus the organizational track record of using the 18th pick on players who have left durable marks on the franchise, provides both intrigue and optimism for Reds fans as the 2026 draft class begins its journey through the minor leagues and, potentially, toward the majors.