The 2025 MLB Draft is well underway and the New York Yankees have been plugging away at their selections. The Yankees selected a high school shortstop, Dax Kilby 39th overall in round one of the draft.
Brian Cashman and his scouting staff had their work cut out with this year’s draft, especially being slotted later in the round. With a diverse list of collegiate prospects, the Yankees opted for a high school product and a shortstop.
Kilby is ranked 62nd among the top 250 MLB draft prospects. The infielder attended Newnan High School in Georgia. Kilby was a commit to Clemson University.
Yankees Draft Pick Profile: Shortstop Dax Kilby
Kilby stands 6’2” at 190 lbs, batting from the left side and throwing from the right. The shortstop is a true 2025 graduate, while ranking high in his region. Perfect Game Baseball has him ranked second in the state of Georgia as a shortstop.
He also ranked second overall in the state of Georgia as a player. In the nation, Kilby ranks 15th at shortstop and 23rd overall in the country. His defensive experience has him all over the infield, with priority at shortstop.
Round 1 | Pick 39: The New York Yankees select SS Dax Kilby out of Newnan HS.#MLBDraft pic.twitter.com/gJZ7m8GbtE
— NYYPlayerDev (@NYYPlayerDev) July 14, 2025
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Scouting Synopsis
As a high school prospect, Kilby shows a lot of intriguing measures and a well-recognized structure on the field. His height and weight are above average, and he displays a professional body that will continue to grow.
Kilby’s swing from the left side is what brings value to his prospect profile. He has a compact hack that focuses on his barrel through the zone on a line-drive plane. He’s bat-to-ball focused and rips pitches pull-side.
Kilby can stay inside and go the other way, or stay up the middle. He has a good approach with two strikes and understands the concept of not trying to do too much. The infielder’s understanding of the zone is important, as he tends to be specific with pitches.
Player Analytical Details
His launch angle ranges between 22.6 and 33.6 degrees with an average exit velocity of 104.7 mph. On his defensive side, Kilby is good on his feet, works well on defensive movement, and is smooth with soft hands.
The issue with his defensive profile may be his arm. After a previous injury, it seems that the infielder is protecting his throws by short-arming and altering his arm action in an awkward manner. For the time being, a shorter throw from second base could be the better option for him.
This draft pick by the Yankees is interesting and intriguing. The team felt the need to boost the system with another potential high-calibre shortstop. Anthony Volpe is currently the guy with years left in the tank.
The club is under the impression that this could be their next-generation shortstop. His level of high school experience is young enough and coachable to be able to develop him into a Yankees product. Kilby is still raw in most forms, offensively and defensively. A good development program and performance program will boost his strength and tactics on both sides. Kilby is one of a few shortstops to be drafted early.
Main Photo Credit: © Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
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