Alabama Crimson Tide shortstop Justin Lebron is still generating serious buzz as a top prospect in the upcoming 2026 MLB Draft, despite a few bumps in the road this season. According to MLB Pipeline's latest mock draft from analyst Jim Callis, Lebron is projected to be selected early—specifically at No. 16 overall by the Texas Rangers. That would make him the only Alabama player currently mocked in the first round of the draft, which kicks off on July 11 in Philadelphia.

So far this season, Lebron has played in 49 games and posted a solid .266/.389/.505 slash line. He leads the Crimson Tide with 12 home runs and 33 RBIs, but his speed is equally impressive—he's 36-for-37 on stolen base attempts, tops on the team. In SEC play, where competition is fierce, Lebron is hitting .234/.333/.372 with three homers, 10 RBIs, and 15 steals in 24 games.

Despite those midseason struggles, Lebron remains ranked as the No. 5 overall prospect in the 2026 draft class by MLB Pipeline. For Alabama fans and MLB draft watchers alike, he's a name to keep an eye on as the draft approaches.