Reds News: Justin Lebron signs over-slot, 2027 Opening Day opponent revealed, Dane Myers

The Cincinnati Reds made 21 selections during last week's 2026 MLB Draft, with Alabama shortstop Justin Lebron being the most polarizing among them. Lebron has a sky-high ceiling, but also a relatively low floor. In other words, he could become the Reds' next superstar or turn into a colossal bust.

But those are the types of risks an organization like the Reds have to take. Lebron effectively fell into their lap during Round 1, and much like they did during the 2022 MLB Draft with Cam Collier, Cincinnati pulled the trigger on a pick with tremendous upside.

Reds News: Justin Lebron, several other draft picks sign

Lebron and the Reds came to terms on an over-slot deal this week. According MLB.com beat reporter Mark Sheldon, Lebron agreed to to a deal with a $5 million signing bonus. The slot value for the No. 18 overall pick was set at $4,695,500, meaning the Reds went about $300,000 over slot to sign former Crimson Tide star. The Reds had a little less than $11 million in bonus pool available at the outset, and will have to be a bit more judicious with their other draft signings.

Lebron wasn't the only draftee the Reds locked up this week. Mulivai Levu, Tyner Horn, Ethan Norby, Sherman Johnson, Brady Neal, Damian Ruiz, Conner Griffin, Calvin Proskey, Brodie Purcell, Ray Ladd, Victor Christal, Jack Lausch, and Tristan Helmick all signed as well.

Horn signed an under-slot deal that netted the Reds $186,300 in savings, and Norby signed for slightly under slot at $630,000. The numbers for the other 11 players have yet to be released.

Reds' fifth-round selection, Dylan Bowen, will be true test. Cincinnati will have to go over slot to sign the Oklahoma State commit, but it's likely that the two sides are able to work out an amicable agreement before the July 27 deadline.

Reds News: St. Louis Cardinals visit Cincy for 2027 Opening Day

As Major League Baseball is prone to do, they picked an odd time to release next season's schedule. The league dropped every team's schedule for the 2027 season, and the Reds will open the year against a familiar opponent, the St. Louis Cardinals.

Opening Day is slated for March 25, though the impending collective bargaining negotiations could certainly impact that date. The last time the Reds opened the season against the Cardinals was 2021. Cincinnati lost that game by a final score of 11-6. In fact, the Cardinals have won the last four Opening Day matchups against the Reds, with Cincinnati's last victory coming during the 1988 season opener.

Reds News: Dane Myers rehab assignment begins

In other Reds news, outfielder Dane Myers was sent on a rehab assignment earlier this week. With all of the Reds' minor-league affiliates currently enjoying a break in the action, Cincinnati sent Myers to the Arizona Complex League in order to get a head start on his rehab.

Myers has appeared in two games with the ACL Reds — both in center field — going 1-for-6 with a home run. Look for Myers' rehab to move to Triple-A later this week, with a return to the big league club on the horizon.

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