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 is the first first-round selection of the Paul DePodesta era. The 10th overall pick carries 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 picks No. 37, No. 38, No. 76 and No. 104 on Day 1.
Who is Tyler Bell?
Bell is a 6-foot-1, 190-pound switch-hitter who throws right-handed. He turned 21 on June 30 and entered the draft ranked as the No. 10 prospect by MLB Pipeline and the No. 15 prospect by Baseball America.
The Tampa Bay Rays selected Bell 66th overall in 2024 out of high school, but he chose to attend Kentucky.
Across two seasons with the Wildcats, Bell hit .314/.438/.556 with 19 home runs, 26 doubles and 21 stolen bases.
He took a big step forward in 2026, batting .343/.510/.608 with nine home runs, 19 doubles, 30 walks and 36 strikeouts.
Bell also played briefly in the Cape Cod League and appeared at second base, shortstop and third base for Team USA.
A smooth shortstop with some edge
Bell is a switch-hitter who plays with an edge and moves with the smoothness expected from a shortstop.
He is athletic enough to remain at the position, with quick feet, good body control and enough arm strength to complete plays from different angles.
At the plate, Bell’s left-handed swing is quick and compact, with enough bat speed and strength to produce some pull-side pop. He does not need a long swing to generate damage, and his direct path gives him a chance to make consistent contact while still driving the ball.
The numbers support the visual profile. Bell’s 2026 season included a .510 on-base percentage and nearly as many walks as strikeouts, pointing to improved strike-zone control without sacrificing power.
MLB Pipeline gave Bell 50 grades for his hit, power and run tools, along with 55 grades for his arm and defense. His overall grade was also a 55.
Bell does not have one overwhelming carrying tool. His appeal comes from the completeness of the profile.
He earns positive marks for his swing decisions and bat-to-ball ability, and his offensive game is not dependent on selling out for power. From both sides of the plate, he has enough feel for the barrel to contribute in several ways.
Defensively, Bell has the athleticism and actions to stay at shortstop. Even if he eventually moves off the position, his glove and experience around the infield should still give him value at second or third base.
That gives Colorado several possible outcomes. If Bell remains at shortstop, his offensive profile becomes especially valuable. If he eventually moves, the Rockies should still have a capable defender with enough bat to fit elsewhere in the infield.
The first statement of the DePodesta era
Bell’s selection offers the first real clue about the type of amateur player Colorado may prioritize under DePodesta and general manager Josh Byrnes.
The Rockies chose a smooth, athletic shortstop with a compact swing, some pop and a competitive edge. It is less a bet on one elite tool than on a broad collection of useful skills.
One year after selecting Ethan Holliday fourth overall, Colorado has added another young shortstop with the potential to become part of the club’s long-term foundation.
What comes next
The Rockies next select 37th overall in Competitive Balance Round A and then return immediately with the 38th pick to begin the second round.
Coverage of picks 11 through 40 continues on MLB Network, Peacock, MLB.com, MLB.TV and MLB+.
What do you think of the pick? Let us know in the comments!
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