Alabama Crimson Tide news and notes from the weekend of July 11-13.
Justin Lebron and three other former Alabama baseball stars taken in 2026 MLB Draft
Alabama baseball made the College World Series for the first time in 27 years.
In the 2026 MLB Draft, star shortstop Justin Lebron became the highest-drafted Tide baseball player in 35 years.
Once touted as a potential No. 1 pick, Lebron was selected No. 18 overall by the Cincinnati Reds. The bonus slot for Lebron's selection in Cincinnati is valued at $4.695 million.
Lebron was Alabama's lone first-round pick as expected, but three other Crimson Tide stars were selected on the second day of the MLB Draft.
Tyler Fay was selected in the 6th round with the 169th overall selection by the Pittsburgh Pirates. Fay was Alabama's Friday night starter during the 2026 campaign and tossed the program's first solo, nine-inning no-hitter in 84 years in a win over Florida in March.
Two picks later, junior pitcher Zane Adams was selected in the sixth round by the Baltimore Orioles.
In the 8th round, Lebron got some company in Cincinnati. Alabama catcher Brady Neal was selected by the Reds at pick No. 242.
Neal famously delivered for the Crimson Tide in the Regional with a monster home run against Oklahoma State that lifted Alabama into the Supers.
2 Alabama portal signees were also selected in the 2026 MLB Draft
On a more somber note, two of Alabama's top portal additions might never make their way to Tuscaloosa.
Northwestern State right-hander Dylan Marroineaux was selected by the Chicago Cubs with the 126th overall pick in the 4th round.
Two rounds later, Mercer transfer Garrett Lambert was selected with the 165th overall pick in the sixth round by the Colorado Rockies.
It could be back to the drawing board for Rob Vaughn as he figures out his rotation for the 2027 season.
Alabama continues to pick up momentum in 2028 recruiting while 2027's struggles remain
The 2027 recruiting cycle has not been up to the standard that Alabama fans are used to. The Crimson Tide has taken hit after hit in the 2027 cycle, and the biggest hit is likely coming this week.
5-star WR Monshun Sales, who has long been Alabama's top target in the 2027 class, will announce his commitment on Friday. Most believe that decision will come down to Indiana and Texas, with Alabama on the outside looking in.
Meanwhile, Kalen DeBoer and his staff have picked up significant momentum in the 2028 cycle.
Shortly after landing 4-star, in-state QB Kingston Preyear, predictions have rolled in for the Crimson Tide to add 4-star Ohio offensive lineman Anthony Blalock Jr.
Alabama currently has the No. 1 overall class in 2028 in the composite rankings. The 2027 cycle appears to be a brief blip on the radar, and the 2028 class will look similar to what the Tide hauled in during the 2025 and 2026 cycles.
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