Dateline: Cincinnati
Justin Lebron got the call that he was chosen by Reds with the first pick in the 2026 draft.
"I'm filled with every emotion in the world," Lebron said. "I'm ready to get to work and to see what I can bring to the table."
The 21-year old was born in the Bronx, New York but grew up in Miramar, Florida, graduating from Archbishop McCarthy High School. He just finished his junior season at Alabama. The Crimson Tide was eliminated by the Texas Longhorns on June 15 at the College World Series in Omaha.
"I just think he was the most powerful player," Reds director of amatuer scouting, Joe Katuska said. "We've tracked him for a long time. He has tremendous physical ability. He can impact the game in many different ways. The best player available is what we start with. He fits that to a T."
Lebron hit .277 for Alabama with 13 doubles, 16 home runs and 48 RBI in 61 games. He drew 27 walks for a .386 on-base-percentage. He struck out 56 times. He stole 42 bases in 43 attempts. His OPS was a robust .920.
"He can drive the ball," Katuska said.
"I definitely think this season was fun," Lebron said. "It was a roller coaster for sure. I didn't have the season that I wanted but I helped get the team to Omaha. That hasn't happened in 20 years."
The Reds Hunter Greene contacted Lebron soon after he was selected.
"He congratulated me and told me to get ready for work," Lebron said. "It's going to be a fun journey. I had never spoke to him or met him. He must have asked someone for my number."
Off the field, Lebron is involved with the Miracle League for kids with physical challenges. His brother Jayden has Williams Syndrome, a genetic defect where the patient is missing a portion of his electric gene.
"Jayden acted like it was his day," Lebron said. "It was one of those things where he lived through me and played through me. It is like we are going through this together. He was so excited."
"Lebron paid for his parents to come to see him," Katuska said. "He had to deal with some things off the field. He was instrumental in taking care of his brother, in being the big brother."
"He has had his challenges on the field but he has the ability to make adjustments and get here quickly."
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