"We Believe In Our Development" - Reds Scouting Director Joe Katuska on Pick of Justin Lebron

Reds Director of Amateur Scouting Joe Katuska made it clear why Cincinnati was willing to take Alabama shortstop Justin Lebron with the No. 18 overall pick despite his down junior season.

“We just believe in our development. We believe in his physical ability. We think he can make the adjustments necessary moving forward, the make-up, the grind that he has to him. He’s ready for this.”

Katuska said the Reds simply viewed Lebron as the most talented player available and have been following him for years, dating back to a workout in high school.

“Tremendous physical ability, the ability to impact the game in many different ways.”

And when it comes to Lebron’s tools, Katuska had some incredibly high praise:

“I think you’d probably have an argument [about] what the best tool is because so many of them are plus, if not double plus.”

Lebron entered the year as a potential No. 1 overall pick before hitting .277 with 16 home runs and 42 stolen bases for Alabama in 2026. The Reds are betting on the talent, the makeup and their development system to help Lebron reach his massive upside.