Twins' potential first-round MLB Draft pick off to hot start for Alabama in 2026

It's never too early to start thinking about the MLB Draft. And with Pablo López likely facing season-ending elbow surgery, the draft may be one of the only things Twins fans can look forward to this summer.

The Twins have the third pick in the 2026 MLB Draft. The Chicago White Sox have the first pick and will likely select UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky, who scouts have labeled the best college shortstop prospect since Troy Tulowitzki. The Tampa Bay Rays are slated to pick second and will likely draft high school shortstop Grady Emerson. Assuming the White Sox and Rays draft Cholowsky and Emerson, the best prospect remaining on the board will be Alabama shortstop Justin Lebron, whom the Twins would be wise to draft.

Twins' potential first-round pick, star Alabama shortstop Justin Lebron, off to hot start in 2026 NCAA season

Alabama has played just four games thus far in 2026, and the Twins' potential first-round pick has already impressed with his play. In 14 games, three against Washington State and one against Samford, Lebron, a junior, has gone 4-for-14 at the plate with two homers, four walks, six runs and three RBI. He's also stolen six bases in six attempts.

Drafting Justin Lebron would give Twins a player with an elite skill set who could play almost any position

During his first two collegiate seasons, Lebron, who has a smooth right-handed swing, posted a .327/.427/.593 slash line with 30 homers, 27 doubles, 109 RBI, 55 walks and 24 stolen bases over 116 games. While the 21-year-old shortstop had a less-than-ideal 24.2% strikeout rate last season, his skills should still translate to the next level. He probably won't hit .300 in the big leagues, but he should still post a decent batting average while drawing a decent amount of walks and hitting for power. His hit grades at 50 and his power at 60.

Lebron is a strong defender and has above-average speed as well. His quickness allows him to cover a lot of ground at shortstop and make quick jumps when stealing. The fact that he has already stolen six bags this year is impressive. Not to mention, he has a strong arm as well. Given his skill set, the Alabama star should be able to play every infield and outfield position professionally with practice.

For now, it appears the Twins have the best odds of drafting Lebron with the third overall pick. However, the Rays may want to select someone closer to being MLB-ready rather than Emerson, who is just 17 years old at the moment. If that's the case, they will likely select Lebron. Let's just hope Tampa Bay drafts Emerson and leaves the Twins with the option to select Alabama's shortstop.