On Sunday, the New York Yankees added two new players to their organization during the first day of the 2025 MLB First-Year Player Draft. In the first round, with the 39th overall pick, they chose infielder Dax Kilby from Newnan High School in Georgia. Later, in the third round, they selected infielder Kaeden Kent from Texas A&M University with the 103rd overall pick.
Dax Kilby, an 18-year-old left-handed hitter, made a big impact during his senior year. He batted .495 with 53 runs, 11 doubles, 4 triples, 5 home runs, 42 RBI, 33 walks, and 15 stolen bases. His strong performance helped lead Newnan High School to its first Class 5A state championship since 1991, earning him MVP honors in the state tournament. He was also named Georgia’s Baseball Player of the Year by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and was recognized nationally as a High School All-American.
The Yankees’ scouting department praised Kilby for his athletic build, speed, and advanced hitting skills for a high school player. At the MLB Draft Combine, he ran a 3.55-second 30-yard dash, one of the fastest times recorded. MLB Pipeline ranked him the No. 62 prospect in this year’s draft, while Baseball America placed him at No. 75. Kilby is the latest in a line of infielders the Yankees have drafted early, continuing a recent trend of investing in young, athletic position players.
Kaeden Kent, the Yankees’ third-round pick, brings college-level experience and a strong baseball background. The 21-year-old shortstop hit .279 with a .398 on-base percentage and a .544 slugging percentage in 56 games for Texas A&M this season, adding 13 home runs and 49 RBI. He was named to the College World Series All-Tournament Team in 2024 after batting .417 in Omaha. Kent is the son of former MLB star Jeff Kent, a five-time All-Star and the 2000 National League MVP.
According to Yankees Vice President of Amateur Scouting Damon Oppenheimer, Kaeden’s experience in the Cape Cod Baseball League and his success at Texas A&M show he can handle playing at a high level. The Yankees believe Kent’s baseball upbringing, work ethic, and defensive skills make him a strong addition to their system. The draft continues on Monday with rounds four through twenty as the Yankees look to add more young talent to their farm system.
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