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MLB draft insiders have Rangers eyeing college infielder with 16th pick this summer

You can never have enough top middle infield prospects
ByJeff Speicher|
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May 1, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama shortstop Justin Lebron (1) makes the play on a bouncer to short as the Crimson Tide downed Vanderbilt in game 2 of the series 5-0 in Sewell-Thomas Stadium.
May 1, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama shortstop Justin Lebron (1) makes the play on a bouncer to short as the Crimson Tide downed Vanderbilt in game 2 of the series 5-0 in Sewell-Thomas Stadium. | Gary Cosby Jr.-Tuscaloosa News / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Throughout the 21st century, the Texas Rangers have always been able to boast an all-star caliber shortstop.

Whether it be Michael Young, Alex Rodriguez, Elvis Andrus and now Corey Seager, it has been the strongest, most consistent position for the organization for almost three decades. And Sebastian Walcott, the organization's best farmhand, is already being slotted as the heir apparent to Seager.

According to MLB.com's first 2026 mock draft, the Rangers will try to further strengthen the position by selecting a highly touted talent at pick 16 in the first round.

Alabama's Justin Lebron is a top 5 overall prospect

At just 21 years old, Justin Lebron is 6-feet-2 inches and weighs 180 pounds. He bats right and throws right. MLB.com lists his scouting grades at Hit: 45, Power: 60, Run: 60, Arm: 60, Field: 60, Overall: 60. Everything but his hit rate is plus talent, and that is an area where he can improve with time.

At one point in 2025, the Alabama slugger was ranked as the top prospect in the entire country, but a slow start to his 2026 SEC season has pushed him down into the middle of the first round in this mock.

His talent is undeniable as he has slashed .309/.414/.567 in two and a half years of collegiate play. He has also clobbered 42 homers and knocked in 142 runs while also swiping 60 bases, including 36 in 2026 alone.

Lebron has areas he needs to improve upon at a young age

Scouts have knocked the gifted shortstop because he tends to chase pitches out of the strike zone, and particularly on curve balls and offspeed pitches.

Lebron has been careless with the glove at times in 2026, racking up an alarming 17 errors in 49 games as a junior. But, again, that has been an anomaly and will improve with more reps.

The draft is scheduled for July 11-12, and it will be interesting to see if the club decides to load up at the SS position with Lebron or look to shore up weak spots like first base, second base and catcher.

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