LEXINGTON, Ky. — Two University of Kentucky baseball players heard their names called during the first day of the 2026 MLB Draft on July 11, with shortstop Tyler Bell becoming the highest draft pick in Nick Mingione's tenure as head coach.

Bell was selected 10th overall by the Colorado Rockies, capping a remarkable college career that saw him develop into one of the nation's premier defensive shortstops and all-around players. The 21-year-old switch-hitter finished his two-year tenure with the Wildcats with a .314 batting average, 19 home runs and a .993 on-base-plus-slugging mark. Bell becomes the second-highest drafted player in Kentucky baseball program history.

The Frankfort, Illinois native turned down a second-round offer from the Tampa Bay Rays in 2024 to attend Kentucky, a decision that proved pivotal to his professional prospects. Despite undergoing shoulder surgery that is expected to delay his professional debut, Bell demonstrated the mental toughness scouts covet by playing through a torn labrum during the 2026 season. He has until July 27 to decide whether to sign with the Rockies or return for his junior season.

Later on Day 1, the Philadelphia Phillies selected right-handed pitcher Jaxon Jelkin with the 135th pick in the fourth round. Jelkin, 23, marked the third time he has been drafted, having previously been selected by the Mets in 2023 and the Pirates in 2024 before choosing to continue his collegiate career both times. The ace emerged as Kentucky's top pitcher during the 2026 season, posting an 8-3 record with a 4.08 ERA and 106 strikeouts in 97 innings over 15 starts. He features a fastball that reaches the mid-90s and a sharp curveball.