Justin Lebron's MLB Draft moment was decades in the making

Justin Lebron’s MLB Draft moment was decades in the making

Daniel David July 11, 2026 2 minutes read

Justin Lebron is heading to Cincinnati. The Alabama shortstop went 18th overall to the Reds in the first round of the 2026 MLB Draft on Saturday in Philadelphia, becoming the highest-drafted Crimson Tide player in 35 years.

The last Alabama player taken higher in the draft was outfielder Joe Vitiello, selected seventh overall by the Kansas City Royals in 1991. Lebron also moves past pitcher James Roberts, who went 19th to the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1966, to become the fourth-highest draft pick in Alabama program history.

What Lebron did at Alabama to earn this moment

Lebron spent three seasons as a starter for the Crimson Tide, playing all 179 games in which he appeared. His career numbers tell a strong story. He finished with a .313 batting average, a .414 on-base percentage and a .569 slugging percentage. He hit 45 home runs and drove in 158 runs. His 69 career stolen bases rank second in Alabama history and his home run total sits eighth on the program’s all-time list.

In the 2026 season, his numbers dipped slightly from his 2025 All-American campaign, but he still hit .277 with 16 home runs, 13 doubles and 48 RBIs while adding 42 stolen bases in 61 games. He also posted a .386 on-base average and a .534 slugging percentage. Alabama finished the year 42-21 and reached the College World Series for the first time since 1999.

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What Lebron’s draft slot means in context

Lebron was the fifth shortstop taken in the first round on Saturday, evidence of how deep the position ran in this year’s class. He was also the fifth SEC player selected, showing the conference’s strength at the top of the draft.

Lebron grew up in Miramar, Florida, and developed into one of the most complete players in college baseball over his three Alabama seasons. His combination of contact, power and speed at the shortstop position made him a consistent first-round projection throughout the spring. The Reds get a player who can run, hit for extra bases and play a premium defensive spot. For Alabama, it marks one of the program’s most significant draft moments in a generation.