2026 MLB Draft Profile: Tyler Bell

Leading up to the 2026 MLB Draft, Fish On First brings you a series of scouting reports on top prospects in this draft class who could realistically wind up in Miami.

Overview

Position: SS

Height: 6’1″

Weight: 190 pounds

School: Kentucky

Tyler Bell is a 6’1”, 190-pound shortstop who plays for the University of Kentucky. Bell is one of the top draft-eligible sophomores in the 2026 MLB Draft class.

Coming out of high school, Bell was a blue-chip prep prospect out of Lincoln-Way East High School in Frankfort, Illinois. On. Perfect Game, Bell was the 59th-ranked prospect and the fifteenth-ranked prospect in the Class of 2024. He was also the second-ranked prospect and #1 middle infielder out of Illinois.

Bell was drafted by the Tampa Bay Rays with the 66th pick in the 2024 MLB Draft as the first pick in Competitive Balance Round B. However, Bell went unsigned and honored his commitment to the Kentucky Wildcats.

In his freshman season, Bell made an immediate impact for the Wildcats. Bell played and started in all 56 games. Bell slashed .296/.385/.522 with 67 hits, seventeen doubles, two triples, ten home runs, 46 RBIs, eleven stolen bases, and a .907 OPS. He was named a First Team Freshman All-American and to the All-SEC Freshman Team. He also played for the USA Baseball Collegiate National Team.

During the 2026 season, Bell suffered an injury that sidelined him for a bit, but he still played and started in 41 games. He slashed .343/.510/.608 with 49 hits, nine doubles, nine home runs, 29 RBIs, 30 walks, ten stolen bases, and a 1.119 OPS. There wasn't much drop-off from him in conference play, slashing .333/.468/.576 with 33 hits, seven doubles, five home runs, 18 RBIs, and a 1.044 OPS. He was named to the 2026 First Team All-SEC.

At the plate, Bell is a switch-hitter with excellent swing mechanics and power from both sides. Most of Bell’s power comes from the pull side, but he’s a very well-rounded hitter with few weaknesses.

Defensively, Bell has the arm, hands, and range to stick at shortstop at the next level. However, he has shown the ability to play all over the infield at a high level during his time in Cape Cod and the USA Collegiate National Team.

Strengths

• Well-rounded prospect
• Switch-hitter
• Advanced approach
• Plus runner
• Defensive versatility

Weaknesses

• Limited power to opposite field
• Suffered a shoulder injury

Pro Comparison: Jorge Polanco

Projection: Top 20 pick

Bottom Line

Tyler Bell has a lot of experience against top pitching in the Cape Cod League and the SEC. He has consistently hit at a high level and hasn’t struggled with high velocity. He’s expected to be an early-to-mid first round pick in the 2026 MLB Draft.

On Baseball America, Bell is the 11th-ranked prospect and fourth-ranked shortstop in the MLB Draft. On MLB Pipeline, Bell is the 20th-ranked prospect. Bell is also the 29th-ranked prospect on ESPN.

The Marlins will have the 14th overall pick in the draft and should be able to grab one of the top prospects in this draft class. Bell is a hitting prospect who’s a legit candidate for the Marlins when they are on the clock.