Cincinnati Reds Draft Justin Lebron

The Cincinnati Reds have drafted former Alabama shortstop Justin Lebron with the 18th overall pick in the 2026 MLB draft, making Lebron the

According to Alabama Pro Updates, Lebron is the second-highest selection in the modern draft era, with Joe Vitiello drafted No. 7 in the 1991 MLB draft. Lebron ends his career in Tuscaloosa playing three seasons for the Crimson Tide and head coach Rob Vaughn, where he hit .309 with 46 home runs, 157 RBIs, and a .984 OPS. Lebron stole 66 bases in his three seasons at Alabama and was thrown out just twice in his career.

Lebron helped lead Alabama to its highest finish in the SEC since 2006, when the Crimson Tide finished in the top four in 2026. He also led the Tide to its first College World Series appearance since 1999, defeating Alabama State, USC Upstate, and Oklahoma State in the Tuscaloosa Regional. Alabama hosted its first Super Regional since 2006, where the Tide swept the St. John's Red Storm to make its first appearance in Omaha in over 25 years.

The Miramar, Florida, native is the second consecutive first-rounder for the Crimson Tide after the Minnesota Twins drafted Riley Quick in 2025.

Wyatt Fulton is the Tide 100.9 DME and Brand Manager, primarily covering Alabama Crimson Tide football and men's basketball. For more Crimson Tide coverage, follow Wyatt on X (Formerly known as Twitter) at @FultonW_.