Yankees Draft Dax Kilby, Go Back To Prep Shortstop Well
Yankees fans have seen this movie before.
With its first-round pick, New York selected Georgia high school shortstop Dax Kilby with the 39th overall pick.
The organization previously chose prep shortstops atop their 2019 and 2023 draft classes. Today, Anthony Volpe is the starter in the Bronx, while George Lombard Jr. is the organization’s No. 1 prospect.
A 6-foot-2, 190-pound lefthanded hitter, Kilby led Newnan High to its first Georgia Class 5A title in more than three decades. He hit .495 with five home runs.
“Dax is a strong-bodied and athletic lefthanded-hitting shortstop,” Yankees vice president of domestic amateur scouting Damon Oppenheimer said.
“We really like his potential and ability to swing the bat, plus he’s an excellent runner. As a high schooler, Dax has already shown an accomplished bat, a great feel to hit—and on top of that some pop, which is exciting for us.”
Kilby is a Clemson commit who is described by most as a line-drive hitter who may eventually move off shortstop as his lanky frame continues to fill out. Evaluators see him heading to second base or potentially the outfield.
Kilby’s hitting upside grades as potentially above-average and will likely be his carrying tool. He can do a lot of things well and has average power that should help him become one of the top hitting prospects in the organization.
YANKEE DOODLES
— The Yankees drafted shortstop Kaeden Kent, son of 2000 National League MVP Jeff Kent, in the third round. Kaeden slashed .279/.398/.544 with 13 home runs, 37 walks and 35 strikeouts in his junior year at Texas A&M. Kent is a likely second or third baseman in pro ball.
