2026 MLB Draft Profile: Justin Lebron

[Hector Rodriguez]

Leading up to the 2026 MLB Draft, Fish On First brings you a series of scouting reports on top prospects in this draft class who could realistically wind up in Miami.

 

Overview

Position: SS

Height: 6’2”

Weight: 190 pounds

School: Alabama

Justin Lebron is a 6’2”, 190-pound shortstop who plays for the Alabama Crimson Tide. Lebron was one of the top draft prospects coming into the 2026 season. However, Lebron had a down season and isn’t expected to be a super high first round selection anymore.

Coming out of high school, Lebron was a blue-chip prospect from Archbishop McCarthy High School in Southwest Ranches, Florida. On Perfect Game, Lebron was the 173rd-ranked prospect and the 41st-ranked shortstop in the Class of 2023. He was also the 23rd-ranked prospect out of the Sunshine State. Lebron went undrafted and honored his commitment to the University of Alabama.

During his freshman season, Lebron earned a starting role for the Crimson Tide and made a major impact. Lebron played and started in all 56 games. He slashed .350/.435/.536 with 77 hits, eight doubles, eleven home runs, 38 RBIs, ten stolen bases, and a .971 OPS. He was named a First Team Freshman All-American and First Team All-SEC.

In his sophomore season, Lebron continued to produce like one of the best hitters in college baseball. Lebron played and started in all 59 games. He slashed .316/.421/.636 with 73 hits, 18 doubles, 18 home runs, 72 RBIs, 17 stolen bases, and a 1.058 OPS. He was named a Second Team All-American and to the SEC All-Defensive Team.

However, Lebron struggled at the plate during the 2026 season. Lebron played and started in all 61 games. Lebron slashed .277/.386/.534 with 66 hits, thirteen doubles, 16 home runs, 48 RBIs, 42 stolen bases, and a .920 OPS.

At the plate, Lebron has plenty of raw power potential, but his hit tool is what’s lacking. He has struggled with his chase rate and the quality of contact when down a bunch last season. During SEC play, Lebron only batted .229.

Defensively, Lebron has the arm, hands, and range to be an excellent defensive shortstop. Lebron did make more errors than usual this season, though.

Lebron also showcased his 60-grade speed this season by stealing 42 bases. He’s a player who can steal 30 bags in a season at the next level.

 

Strengths

• Excellent defensive SS
• Plus speed
• Plus raw power potential
• Projectable body type
• Improved his in-zone contact rate

 

Weaknesses

• Trouble with the curve
• Batted .229 in SEC play
• 40-grade hit tool

 

Pro Comparison: Masyn Winn

Projection: Top 15 pick

 

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Bottom Line

Justin Lebron has produced at a high level in college baseball except for this past season. He would be a project, but Lebron has the upside to become one of the best shortstops in MLB if his hit tool improves.

On ESPN, Lebron is the eighth-ranked draft prospect and the fourth-ranked shortstop in the 2026 MLB Draft class. On MLB Pipeline, Lebron is the ninth-ranked draft prospect, and he’s also the 19th-ranked draft prospect on Baseball America.

The Marlins will have the 14th overall pick and should be able to grab one of the top prospects in this draft class. Lebron would be an interesting option for them, especially given his local roots.

 

More 2026 MLB draft profiles

• OF Derek Curiel
• RHP Tegan Kuhns
• OF Sawyer Strosnider
• RHP Liam Peterson
• 3B Bo Lowrance
• LHP Hunter Dietz
• INF Tyler Bell
• INF Chris Hacopian
• LHP Brody Bumila
• OF Trevor Condon
• RHP Cade Townsend
• OF Drew Burress
• LHP Gio Rojas
• RHP Cameron Flukey
• OF Eric Booth Jr.
• 3B Ace Reese
• LHP Carson Bolemon
• RHP Jackson Flora
• INF Jacob Lombard
• OF AJ Gracia 

 

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