Tyler
Bell

INF Tyler Bell (Lincoln-Way East), a Pittsburgh commit, made the Illinois State Games his coming out party last August and skyrocketed up the 2024 Illinois board as a result. The 6-foot-1, 180-pound switch-hitter swings a mature  bat from both sides of the plate, with loose athletic hands and easy effort throughout. Bell creates easy bat speed, natural loft off the barrel and works to both gaps. Throughout both rounds of BP, from both sides of the plate, Bell peaked at 99.3 mph, averaging 91.6 mph with his furthest batted ball traveling 350’. Bell also led the loaded field with an average bat speed of 79.6 mph. On top of the offensive prowess, Bell is one of the top infield defenders in the state with smooth, confident, easy actions and a strong arm that plays true with life across the diamond at 90 mph. 

Arguably the top prospect in attendance, regardless of class, was INF Tyler Bell (Lincoln-Way East, 2024; Pittsburgh commit). A high-waisted athlete that’s 6-foot-1, 170-pounds, the switch-hitting Bell displayed a silky-smooth swing from both sides of the plate throughout the event, hammering balls off the barrel with gap-to-gap feel. He’ll grow into more power as he fills out his frame, and Bell owns one of the highest offensive ceilings in his class. Defensively, Bell’s sure-handed actions and arm strength should keep him on the left side of the infield long term. Expect him to be a high-end name in the state’s 2024 class throughout his amateur career. 

Positional Profile: SS/2B
Body: 6-1, 175-pounds. Wide-shouldered, well-proportioned build.
Hits: . Wide open base, balanced lower half, smooth hand load, leg lift trigger to close. Athletic hands, easy juice out of rotation, uphill to contact with gap-to-gap feel. Smooth throughout; confident presence and repeats.
Power: 97 max exit velocity, averaged 89.6 MPH. 382' max distance.
Arm: . INF-87 mph.Strong arm, can throw from multiple slots, carries across the diamond and plays accurate.
Defense: Athletic smooth defender, plays with ease and confidence. Soft hands, plays low to the ground and clean release.
Run: 7.01 runner in the 60.
Vizual Edge: 79.69 Edge Score

Pittsburgh Commit and Preseason All-State Participant. 6-foot-0, 170-pound athletic frame with room for added strength. Hit leadoff and played shortstop for Lincoln-Way East. Switch-Hitter with an open-set up, consistently set the table for the middle of the Griffins order; drawing 4 walks and coming around to score all four times. Took an impressive round of I/O, showing off arm strength to make the necessary throws from the left-side of the diamond. Made a nice play in game on a sharply hit ground ball to his back hand, making an accurate throw to get the runner. 

Positional Profile: SS/2B
Body: 6-0, 170-pounds. Athletic build.
Hit: SH. Balanced setup, smooth load, short stride. Loose, easy swing. Uphill path, athletic hands, repeatable. Remains balanced throughout. Stays through the hitting zone. Natural lift, works gap-to-gap.
Power: 92.5 max exit velocity, averaged 83.7 mph. 322’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 88 mph. Loose arm action. Works from a high 3/4 slot. Ball jumps out of the hand with carry to the target.
Defense: Easy, fluid actions. Moves efficiently and under control. Quick to release.
Run: 7.13 runner in the 60. 

Switch-hitting Pittsburgh commit, Tyler Bell (Lincoln-Way East), is another impressive infielder with the tools to stay on the left side of the diamond for the long haul. The 6-foot, 170-pound Bell ran a 7.13, was 88 mph across the infield, and he made the infield defensive portion of the event look easy with clean and efficient actions and minimal effort. He looks equally as potent from both sides of the plate with an easy, loose swing with some strength through contact. Impressive 2024 infielder.

Verbally committed to Pittsburgh.

Positional Profile: SS/2B
Body: 6-foot, 160-pounds. Lean, high-waisted frame with plenty of room for physical projection
Hit: S. Athletic balanced setup, smooth load, short stride with controlled posture through finish.  Loose wrists, easy effort, fluid throughout. Bat stays through the hitting zone a long time, looks to create leverage out front and elevate. Steeper angle from the left side.
Power: 86.7 max exit velocity, averaged 74.7 mph. 316’ max distance.
Arm: R. INF - 80 mph. Shorter arm slot, tight window, 3/4 slot.
Defense: Nimble feet, comfortable bouncing around the infield and lower half works in rhythm. Soft sure-handed glove, clean transfer, efficient to release. Actions to stick up the middle in the long term.
Run: Did not run at the event.