Justin Lebron's fast start gives Reds plenty to dream on

When the Cincinnati Reds drafted Justin Lebron, they landed one of the highest-ceiling players in the draft. He also had one of the lowest floors of all the unanimous first-round prospects. Blessed with an insane power-speed combo and incredible athleticism, the question will be whether or not his hit tool develops.

The former University of Alabama star has wasted no time resting on his laurels after the completion of the draft. Lebron is suiting up for the Dayton Dragons, and though it's early, he's already making a big impact against High-A competition.

Lebron has played just five pro games, but he's put up an impressive .381/.409/.762 line with two homers and a stolen base already. One of those blasts was a majestic grand slam.

Though this is just the beginning, it couldn't be a better start for the youngster who has real 30-30 potential as well as the defensive chops to win multiple Gold Gloves at shortstop.

Some might have criticized the pick for a multitude of reasons. Cincinnati has been extremely shortstop-happy in recent years, which has led to a dearth of talent in the system at other positions, specifically in the outfield. Others have bristled at the comparisons to St. Louis Cardinals shortstop Masyn Winn, who is a fantastic defender but whose bat has really lagged behind his glove.

The Reds can ill afford to miss on high draft picks, so it's understandable if some would have wanted them to select a safer player in the first round. On the flip side, the organization doesn't have the money to bring in superstar talent from the outside, so when a prospect with superstar potential falls into your lap, it's hard not to pull the trigger.

It's early, but Justin Lebron is giving Reds fans everything they could have asked for

Seeing key youngsters succeed right off the bat makes it hard not to dream about the future. For the Reds, Lebron is just the start. Alongside fellow 2026 draftees Eric Becker and Mulivai Levu, as well as Tyson Lewis and Alfredo Duno, the next core for Cincinnati is coming into focus.

It will be years before we see them in the Queen City, and a lot of things can happen between now and then, but the seeds of a plan are there, and if it all comes together, it could be dynamic.

Lebron already ranks as Cincinnati's No. 3 overall prospect, and if he keeps up the tear he's begun his career on, he'll prove to be the steal of the draft. And with his timeline, he could easily slide in and replace Elly De La Cruz when the time comes, and the Reds could keep trucking along without losing anything in the way of production.

This doesn't change the fact that Lebron is a huge risk. This could be the highpoint of his career, and he might prove to be a gigantic bust. He's about as boom or bust as they come, but for now Reds fans should allow themselves to dream.

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