In picking Kentucky shortstop Tyler Bell as a first-round draft selection, the Colorado Rockies are getting a player who could become a major part of the franchise for some time to come.
The Colorado Rockies had the No. 10 overall selection in the first round of the 2026 MLB Draft in Philadelphia. They used it in selecting Kentucky shortstop Tyler Bell, who was among the top 10 prospects listed on MLB.com, on Saturday.
Bell is a 21-year-old switch hitter who throws right. He was originally selected in the 2024 MLB Draft by the Tampa Bay Rays, but chose to go play at the University of Kentucky.
Tyler Bell's overview
Here's how MLB.com presented an overview of Bell entering the 2026 MLB Draft.
"The highest unsigned pick in the 2024 Draft, Bell went 66th overall to the Rays as a supplemental second-rounder out of an Illinois high school," the report indicated.
"He opted to attend Kentucky, where he was the Wildcats' best player as a freshman and became their first member of the U.S. collegiate national team since Zack Thompson in 2018.
"He's one of the top sophomore-eligible prospects for 2026 and on track to become the school's first first-rounder since Thompson in 2019 despite tearing the labrum in his non-throwing shoulder in his first game this spring," the report continued.
"A switch-hitter, Bell is proficient from both sides of the plate. He has the bat speed and strength to generate 20 homers per season once he learns to lift balls in the air more consistently. He has a decent approach at the plate but can get too passive at times and has trouble staying back on changeups.
"Bell has all of the ingredients to play a solid shortstop. He has average speed but a quick first step, smooth actions, reliable hands and a strong arm capable of making throws from any angle necessary," according to the report.
"His defensive instincts and athleticism would allow him to play almost anywhere on the diamond if he ends up in a utility role. He's gritting through the shoulder injury to play for the Wildcats but will require surgery that will sideline him for several months."
The Rockies are now paving the way for a new, young shortstop to make his way into the MLB ranks down the road. It's also the first pick under the leadership of Rockies president of baseball operations Paul DePodesta.
Roch Cholowsky goes No. 1 overall
UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky was the No. 1 overall pick in the draft for the Chicago White Sox. He's been listed as the top pick in the 2026 MLB Draft for some time. Cameras caught Cholowsky crying over being the top pick when he saw that the White Sox had selected him.
Colorado has one first-round pick and one in Competitive Balance Round A, followed by single picks in the second, third, fourth, and fifth rounds. This is an opportunity to shape the Rockies' future with some stellar young players.
The Rockies' draft team and everyone involved in the franchise are looking to change the fortunes of it right now. This is a first step in getting back to having some positive talk about Colorado.
At Rockies Roundtable, we'll have information on the rest of the Rockies' 2026 MLB Draft picks on our website.
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