The Boston Red Sox are gearing up for the 2026 MLB Draft, and with the 20th overall pick in their pocket, they have their eyes on a standout SEC shortstop who could bring serious firepower to their farm system.

According to MLB.com analyst Jim Callis’s first mock draft of the season, the Red Sox are predicted to select Kentucky Wildcats shortstop Tyler Bell. This move would add a dynamic, switch-hitting infielder to Boston’s growing prospect pool—a smart play for a team looking to build depth for the future.

Bell, 20, has been turning heads with his grit and talent. Despite playing through a torn labrum in his non-throwing shoulder—an injury that will require surgery after Kentucky’s season ends—he’s shown remarkable resilience. Callis describes him as a "solid defender at shortstop" with "20-homer power," ranking him as the 23rd-best prospect in the draft class. That means he should be available when the Red Sox are on the clock.

Bell’s numbers back up the hype. In 30 games this season, he’s slashing .374 with six home runs and 26 RBIs, posting an impressive 1.183 OPS. His freshman year was equally strong: he started all 56 games, hitting .296 with 10 homers, 46 RBIs, 17 doubles, and two triples. Those stats earned him SEC All-Freshman Team honors and a spot on the Freshman All-America First Team.

Adding Bell would give the Red Sox more infield depth in their system, complementing a roster that’s already seeing encouraging returns from its pitching staff. For fans dreaming of a balanced, homegrown lineup, this pick could be a key piece of the puzzle.