Justin Lebrón, a shortstop of Puerto Rican descent, was selected in the first round of the MLB draft by the Cincinnati Reds. Lebrón, a graduate of the University of Alabama, was chosen with the 18th pick, which has a value of $4.6 million.
He batted .277 in 61 games with Alabama, hitting 16 home runs and driving in 48 runs, while also scoring 58 runs and stealing 42 bases. Lebrón was born in the Bronx, New York, to Puerto Rican grandparents.
Another shortstop, Aiden Ruiz, son of Puerto Rican parents, was selected in the second round by the Pittsburgh Pirates with the 44th pick, valued at $2.2 million. The MLB draft is being held in Philadelphia as part of the All-Star Game festivities.