​The Colorado Rockies selected Tyler Bell, a switch-hitting shortstop from the University of Kentucky, with the 10th overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft on Saturday. Bell becomes the first first-round choice of the Paul DePodesta era. The 10th pick has an assigned slot value of $6,393,100. Colorado made the selection after the Atlanta Braves took AJ Gracia ninth overall. The Rockies also hold Day 1 selections at Nos. 37, 38, 76 and 104.
Bell stands 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighs 190 pounds. He bats left-handed and throws right-handed, and he turned 21 on June 30. Entering the draft, Bell was ranked as MLB Pipeline’s No. 10 prospect and Baseball America’s No. 15 prospect. He previously drew interest from the Rays, who selected him 66th overall out of high school in 2024, but Bell chose to enroll at Kentucky. Over two seasons with the Wildcats, he hit .314/.438/.556, recording 19 home runs, 26 doubles and 21 stolen bases.
In 2026, Bell took a significant step forward, posting a .343/.510/.608 line with nine home runs, 19 doubles, 30 walks and 36 strikeouts, despite playing with a shoulder injury. In February, while tracking a ball, he dislocated his non-throwing shoulder and sustained structural damage, including a torn labrum. “It was definitely tough. I had a lot of people on my side telling me to shut it down,” he said. “I know that coach [Nick Mingione] had said the same night that I got hurt that if I didn’t play another game the rest of the year I would still be a first-round Draft pick. I just wanted to be out there with my boys, and I knew I was good enough to play. It might have hurt sometimes, it might have affected me at times, but that competitiveness in me—the belief that Kentucky was a special team this year and had a chance to win a National Championship—made me want to be part of that moment.”
Bell also spent a stint in the Cape Cod League and appeared at second base, shortstop and third base for Team USA. As a switch-hitter with an edge, Bell moves with the smoothness expected from a shortstop. He projects to remain at the position thanks to his quick feet, solid body control and enough arm strength to make plays from multiple angles. Offensively, his left-handed swing is compact and quick, with bat speed and strength that enable pull-side power without requiring a long swing. His direct path supports consistent contact while still delivering impact to the ball.
The 2026 numbers reinforce the scouting profile. Bell posted an impressive .510 on-base percentage, with nearly as many walks as strikeouts, signaling improved strike-zone discipline without sacrificing power. MLB Pipeline assigned Bell tools grades of 50 for hit, power, and speed, and 55 for arm and defense, with an overall grade of 55. In profile and performance, Bell blends athleticism, approach, and physical readiness that align with a high-ceiling shortstop who can contribute both on the field and at the plate.