The Cincinnati Reds selected highly sought-after talent Justin Lebron as the 18th overall pick in the first round of the MLB draft on Saturday. Lebron, a skilled shortstop, played college baseball for the Alabama Crimson Tide and helped lead them to the College World Series in Omaha, NB, where they were eliminated after losing the decisive game to the Texas Longhorns.
In his freshman year at Alabama in 2024, Lebron started all 57 games, batting .338/.429/.546 with 12 home runs and 37 RBIs. He was named a freshman All-American and selected to the first-team All-SEC. His consistent performances on both sides of the ball made him the Crimson Tide’s first choice at shortstop for the 2025 campaign.
Fans eagerly shared their reactions to the official draft announcement, with many hilariously comparing his potential legacy to NBA legend LeBron James, who also began his career with the Cavaliers in Ohio.
The Reds have depth at shortstop with Elly De La Cruz, Edwin Arroyo, and Steele Hall, their 2025 first-round pick and currently the No. 2 prospect in the big leagues. Choosing another shortstop, like Lebron, MLB Pipeline’s No. 9 Draft prospect, was a simple decision for the organization, which envisions the 21-year-old remaining at shortstop.
Justin Lebron Cherished Kind Words From Future Teammate Hunter Greene
After being drafted by the Reds, Lebron received a congratulatory call from pitcher Hunter Greene. During his official media interview, Lebron described the conversation, expressed gratitude to his future teammate, and shared his happiness about joining the organization.
“He reached out to me, just congratulated me, telling me to get ready to work and that this is going to be a fun journey. I’m super grateful… I’m filled with every emotion in the world, really. I’m excited to be a part of such a great program. I’m ready to get to work to see what I can bring to the table,” Lebron said
The slot from which Lebron was officially drafted to Cincinnati carries a $4,695,500 bonus value for that pick.
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