Way-too-early grades for every Reds' Day 1 pick in the 2026 MLB Draft

The Cincinnati Reds snagged Alabama shortstop Justin Lebron in Round 1 of the 2026 MLB Draft, and doubled down by selecting another shortstop in Round 2. Altogether, the Reds secured five players on Day 1 of the 2026 MLB Draft, and each one brings a unique skillset to the organization.

Lebron is the most recognizable name among the five players selected, but is he the best? It's somewhat of a fool's errand to grade a team's performance following just one day of the MLB Draft — some prospects take years to actually develop. But let's see if we can give an accurate evaluation of how these players might develop in the future.

Way too early grades for every Reds Day 1 pick in the 2026 MLB Draft

Round 1: Justin Lebron, SS, Alabama
Grade: B-

Questions about Lebron's ability to make contact will certainly follow him throughout the minor leagues, but the other tools are loud and impressive. There was a time when several scouts assumed Lebron was going to go first overall in the 2026 MLB Draft, and if he lives up to those lofty projections, the Reds will have landed an absolute steal at No. 18.

Round 2: Eric Becker, SS, Virginia
Grade: B

Lebron wasn't the only shortstop the Reds selected on Saturday afternoon. Cincinnati selected Virginia infielder Eric Becker with the 58th-overall selection in the draft. He's more of a contact-over-power bat who hits from the left side. Though he spent a great deal of his time as the Cavaliers shortstop last season, he could profile as a third baseman if he taps into his raw power.

Competitve Balance Round B: Mulivai Levu, 1B, UCLA
Grade: B+

Mulivai Levu was the Reds selection at No. 70. A power-hitting first baseman from UCLA who brings major pop with a sweet left-handed swing, Levu is likely locked in at first base. He will need to cut down on his chase rate if he hopes to make it to the big leagues, but there's little doubt that his light-tower power could allow him to turn Great American Ball Park into his own personal playground.

Round 3: Tyner Horn, RHP, Nebraska
Grade: C-

The Reds finally grabbed a pitcher in Round 3 with the selection of Tyner Horn. The right-hander is a bit of a tweener, and may project as a reliever rather than a starter when it's all said and done. Given his track record at Nebraska, however, the Reds will undoubtedly give him the chance to join the rotation as a backend starter.

Round 4: Ethan Norby, LHP, East Carolina
Grade: C

Cincinnati wrapped up Day 1 of the 2026 MLB Draft by selecting left-handed pitcher Ethan Norby from East Carolina University with the 122nd pick. His fastball sits in the low-90s and he'll likely profile as a reliever at the big league level, though some scouts view him as a potential backend starter.

Most evaluators seem to agree that the Reds got good value with their first two picks. Becker is arguably the safest bet among those selected to make it to the majors, but his role may end up being that of a utility infielder. Lebron will almost certainly receive the "boom-or-bust" label once he signs on the dotted line, and his ascension to the big leagues will be dependent on his ability to hit top-tier pitching.

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