Kentucky Wildcat News: MLB Draft Weekend for UK Baseball

Good morning, BBN!

The 2026 MLB Draft begins today, and Kentucky Baseball fans will have at least one major reason to tune in.

Wildcats shortstop Tyler Bell is widely expected to be selected in the early rounds after two seasons in Lexington.

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Bell entered the season as one of the top prospects in the 2026 class, with MLB Pipeline ranking him among its top draft prospects. He also participated in the MLB Draft Combine last month.

While recent first-round mock drafts from CBS Sports and ESPN have not projected Bell among the opening selections, his prospect status makes him Kentucky’s best bet to be called early in the draft.

Bell’s combination of defensive ability, switch-hitting potential, and youth could make him an intriguing option for organizations looking for an up-the-middle prospect.

Kentucky could also have additional players selected during the later rounds as MLB organizations work through 20 rounds over two days.

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How to Watch the 2026 MLB Draft

Day 1: Saturday, July 11 (Rounds 1-4)

• 1:00-2:30 p.m. ET – Preview show + Picks 1-10 (NBC/Peacock)

• 2:30-4:30 p.m. ET – Picks 11-40 (MLB Network, MLB.com, MLB.TV, MLB+)

• 4:30-7:45 p.m. ET – Picks 41-135 (MLB.com, MLB.TV, MLB+)

Day 2: Sunday, July 12 (Rounds 5-20)

• 11:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. ET (MLB.com, MLB.TV, MLB+)

Where do you think this year’s Wildcats land?

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