Multiple New Faces Emerge in Updated Reds Top 10 Prospect Rankings

Multiple new faces have joined the list!

Jun 8, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama shortstop Justin Lebron (1) is all smiles as the Crimson Tide players and coaches celebrate their 7-2 win over St. John’s to earn a trip to the College World Series. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

The Cincinnati Reds’ farm system has undergone plenty of change this season, and that is reflected in Kiley McDaniel’s latest prospect rankings for ESPN. With several of the organization’s top prospects graduating to the big leagues, multiple new faces have moved into the top 10, while some familiar names have made significant jumps.

McDaniel noted that the Reds have graduated Sal Stewart, Rhett Lowder, Edwin Arroyo and Chase Petty, leaving the system thinner than it was earlier in the season. Still, there are several intriguing young players making their way through the organization.

Here is McDaniel’s updated top 10 Reds prospects for ESPN:

1. Alfredo Duno, C
2. Steele Hall, SS
3. Justin Lebron, SS
4. Hector Rodriguez, LF
5. Aaron Watson, RHP
6. Eric Becker, SS
7. Tyson Lewis, SS
8. Carlos Jorge, CF
9. Mulivai Levu, 1B
10. Cam Collier, 1B

Justin Lebron

Jun 7, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama shortstop Justin Lebron (1) fields and throws to first for an out in Game 2 of the Super Regional between Alabama and St. John's at Sewell-Thomas Stadium. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

The Reds drafted shortstop Justin Lebron with the 18th pick in the 2026 MLB Draft out of the University of Alabama. Lebron played in 61 games for the Tide in 2026 and slashed .277/.386/.534 with 29 extra-base hits and 42 stolen bases.

He has massive upside, but some scouts are worried about his lack of consistency in SEC play.

"He has exceptional range at short, a high-caliber arm, lightning-quick hands, good power for a middle infielder and elite instincts on the basepaths," MLB.com's Anthony Castrovince wrote.

The Reds took a chance on a high-risk, high-upside player who, just a year ago, had scouts believing he had the talent to be a top-three pick in the draft.

Eric Becker

Virginia infielder Eric Becker (21) throws the ball to first base during an NCAA Baseball Regional game between Virginia and Jax State at Pete Taylor Park in Hattiesburg, Miss., on Friday, May 29, 2026. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

The Reds drafted shortstop Eric Becker with the 58th overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft out of the University of Virginia.

In 2026, Becker slashed .317/.427/.533 with 24 extra-base hits, including seven home runs for the Cavaliers. The Reds elected to be aggressive with Becker and start him out in High-A with the Dayton Dragons. In four games thus far, Becker is 3-for-16 with a home run.

"Becker is a fundamentally sound shortstop and lefthanded hitter who has been the engine for Virginia’s lineup since his freshman year," Baseball America's scouting report read on Becker. "He hit over .300 in all three seasons and finished his career with a .348/.448/.600 slash line, 24 home runs and 46 doubles. At 6-foot-3, 190 pounds, Becker has a loose and easy operation at the plate. He has a clean lefthanded swing that goes directly to the ball and leads to line-drive contact all over the field. Becker has above-average contact skills and has never punched out at a worrying clip, but he’s also a touch aggressive and has a modest 9.3% career walk rate."

Mulivai Levu

Jun 17, 2025; Omaha, Neb, USA; UCLA Bruins first baseman Mulivai Levu (39) hits a triple against the Arkansas Razorbacks during the ninth inning at Charles Schwab Field. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Cincinnati chose Mulivai Levu in the second round of the 2026 MLB Draft out of UCLA. Levu spent time at first base and third base in college and slashed .340/.441/.622 with 31 extra-base hits in 59 games in 2026 for the Bruins.

"Levu can drive the baseball to all parts of the yard, but his highest quality of contact comes to the pull side, where he has comfortably above-average power," Baseball America wrote. "Levu has average bat-to-ball skills, though he has the tendency to expand the zone up or away against fastballs and away against secondaries."

The Reds' farm system isn't as deep as it needs to be and hopefully these three draft picks can turn it back in the right direction.