Top-60 commit Tyler Bell forgoing MLB Draft, heading to Kentucky

Class of 2024 SS/2B Tyler Bell, who was selected with the No. 66 overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft by the Tampa Bay Rays, is forgoing the Draft and heading to Kentucky next season.

The No. 59th overall player in the class announced his decision on Wednesday, just one day before the signing period comes to an end. The slot value for the 66th pick was $1,260,200, which the Rays will now lose for failing to sign Bell. Tampa Bay will however receive a compensation pick in the 2025 MLB Draft.

All in! #Bigbluenation pic.twitter.com/N00g3IEvep

— Tyler Bell (@BellTyler28) July 31, 2024

The newest Wildcat joins Texas A&M left-hander Ryan Prager (third round) as the only two top-10 round selections who did not sign pro contracts.

Bell, who was ranked the 15th best ’24 shortstop in the class, is a huge get for a Kentucky squad losing starting shortstop Grant Smith to graduation.

Baseball America spoke highly of Bell following the 2024 MLB Draft Combine:

“Bell had one of the most well-rounded workout days of the position players. He had impressive defensive actions at shortstop. From the right side, he hit plenty of sharp line drives up the middle. He then let it fly a bit more after switching over to the left side, homering multiple times to the pull side. Bell’s defensive effort at shortstop was one of the more impressive as well. He’s a twitchy defender with active footwork who took solid angles to the ball and showed reliable hands and solid arm strength.”

The Illinois native joins sophomore Kyuss Gargett as a talented, young duo expected to be the future of the Wildcat middle infield.

Stay tuned to KSR’s 2025 Kentucky Baseball Roster Tracker for all updates on the offseason and next season’s squad.