The Cincinnati Reds used the 18th overall pick of the 2026 Major League Baseball draft on shortstop Justin Lebron from the University of Alabama, and the early returns from his selection sure do look promising.
The Reds brass assigned Lebron to High-A Dayton of the Midwest League in lieu of sticking him in the hitting abyss that is the Florida State League with Daytona, and the newest Dragon has hit the ground sprinting. He had a 2-hit debut nearly two weeks ago, and he’s somehow managed to get even
hotter ever since.
Through 11 games and 49 plate appearances, Lebron is hitting a robust .333/.388/.733 (1.121 OPS), with much of that coming via a power outburst that has seen him sock 5 homers already. That has helped the overall Dragons surge to 153 homers for the season already – a new franchise record.
Lebron, who struggled more than most anyone expected against Southeastern Conference pitching during his final campaign in Tuscaloosa, once again looks completely locked in. His most recent dinger came on an inside heater in a 2-strike count, one he turned on with his patented quick hands and elite bat speed to pull over the wall in left field.
He has also sent balls over the wall in center…
…while waiting patiently on an 83 mph slider, at that.
It’s about as good of a start as anyone could have hope to see. It sure feels like the Reds got a good one here.
