Brady Neal, a former LSU baseball standout, was selected by the Cincinnati Reds in the eighth round of the 2026 MLB Draft, earning a slot value of $229,700 and beginning the next chapter of his professional journey.
A collegiate journey marked by triumph and transformation
Neal began his college career at Louisiana State University, where as a freshman he helped the Tigers capture the 2023 national championship. After two seasons in Baton Rouge, he transferred to the University of Alabama, where his senior year produced a .970 OPS, a .541 slugging percentage and 51 runs batted in, leading the Crimson Tide in several key offensive categories.
Across his collegiate tenure he compiled a .269 batting average, a .887 OPS, 140 hits, 122 runs scored and 110 RBI, statistics that caught the attention of scouts and helped secure his draft slot.
Hailing from Tallahassee, Florida, Neal brings a blend of power and on‑base skill that the Reds hope will translate into future contributions at the major‑league level.