Cincinnati Reds select Justin Lebron with 18th pick in MLB draft
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 11, 2026, 7:18 PM
Last updated Jul 11, 2026
The Cincinnati Reds selected Alabama shortstop Justin Lebron with the 18th overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft on July 11. This marks the second consecutive year the Reds have chosen a shortstop from Alabama, following Steele Hall in 2025. Lebron, who was born in the Bronx and raised in Florida, has a notable college career that includes multiple accolades and contributions to his team reaching the College World Series. He possesses a five-tool skill set, demonstrating abilities in hitting, power, speed, fielding, and arm strength, and brings a strong work ethic and loyalty to the Reds.
- •Lebron was the ninth-best prospect according to MLB Pipeline.
- •He hit.277 with 16 home runs in his junior season.
- •Alabama has had a first-round pick for three straight years.
- •Lebron's selection continues a legacy of shortstop picks for the Reds.
- •He is known for his dynamic defensive and offensive skills.
- 9:38 PMYahoo Sports — Cincinnati Reds select UCLA 1B Levu with 70th pick in 2026 MLB draft
- 7:18 PMYahoo Sports — Cincinnati Reds select SS Justin Lebron with 18th pick in 2026 MLB draft
- 7:17 PMYahoo Sports — Cincinnati Reds select shortstop Justin Lebron in 1st round of MLB Draft
- 7:16 PMYahoo Sports — Justin Lebron Picked #18 By Cincinnati Reds In MLB Draft
"Justin Lebron was selected # overall Saturday in the MLB draft. The Tide now has had a first round pick in three straight drafts for the first time in school history. Pitcher Ben Hess was a 1st rounder in 2024 and pitcher Riley Quick was in 2025
"After selecting college shortstops with their first two picks in the 2026 MLB Draft, the Reds selected UCLA 1B Mulivai Levu with the 70th pick.
"The Cincinnati Reds had five picks on the first day of the two-day MLB Draft July 11, including No. 18, 58 and 70 overall.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJul 11, 2026, 9:38 PMCincinnati Reds select UCLA 1B Levu with 70th pick in 2026 MLB draft
After selecting college shortstops with their first two picks in the 2026 MLB Draft, the Reds selected UCLA 1B Mulivai Levu with the 70th pick.
- Yahoo SportsJul 11, 2026, 7:18 PMCincinnati Reds select SS Justin Lebron with 18th pick in 2026 MLB draft
The Cincinnati Reds had five picks on the first day of the two-day MLB Draft July 11, including No. 18, 58 and 70 overall.
- Yahoo SportsJul 11, 2026, 7:17 PMCincinnati Reds select shortstop Justin Lebron in 1st round of MLB Draft
The Reds opted for one of the highest-upside picks in this year’s class.
- Yahoo SportsJul 11, 2026, 7:16 PMJustin Lebron Picked #18 By Cincinnati Reds In MLB Draft
Justin Lebron was selected # overall Saturday in the MLB draft. The Tide now has had a first round pick in three straight drafts for the first time in school history. Pitcher Ben Hess was a 1st rounder in 2024 and pitcher Riley Quick was in 2025
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