With the No. 39 pick in the 2025 MLB Draft, the New York Yankees selected Dax Kilby. Here are a few things to know about the newest member of the Yankees organization:
Georgia Grit and National Regard
Kilby hails from Newnan High School in Georgia, where he ascended to elite prospect status. He was named Georgia’s Male Athlete of the Year by ITG Next—an accolade reserved for the state’s best—after leading the Cougars to a Class 5A state championship, the school’s first in 34 years. Perfect Game rated him the No. 23 overall recruit, and he quickly caught Clemson University’s attention, committing as one of the nation’s most polished prep bats.
Hitter Who Knows How to Crush the Ball
At 6-foot-2 and 190 pounds, Kilby offers room to grow but already flashes serious bat strength. Scouts highlight his short, compact left-handed swing and clean barrel path. Perfect Game measured his exit speed near 94 mph, with high marks for bat impact and hitting mechanics. MLB.com pegged him as one of the most polished high school hitters in the 2025 class: disciplined, gap-to-gap, and unlikely to chase pitches. Multiple sources noted that Kilby’s hit tool plays well now — creating interest not just in his physical ceiling, but in his ability to produce immediately at the next level.
Defensive Versatility With Upside
Kilby spent his high school years primarily at shortstop, showing rangy field coverage and clean footwork. He glides to the backhand, works through the ball with soft hands, and adapts fluidly to different throws. While his long-term home isn’t set in stone — some project a move to second base or left field — his athleticism and infielder instincts give him a high floor defensively . Bases-loaded scenarios? Kilby’s the kind of guy who’d steady the diamond.
High School Swagger and College Promise
Kilby turned heads at the MLB Combine and in showcases leading up to draft night. He always looked the part of a pro prospect: composed, assertive, and ready for the spotlight. His swagger isn’t cocky — it’s earned. Each year, he improved his hit tool, shortened his swing, and added strength while maintaining speed (a 6.47-second 60-yard dash at Perfect Game speaks volumes).
A Decision Worth Watching
He was a Clemson commit — a strong sign he was college-bound. But when the right hands reached in draft night for Kilby, his pro future unlocked. He’s the rare prep bat who projects as both a polished college performer and a pro-ready prospect — a dual appeal that’s hard to find.
Bottom Line
Dax Kilby checks just about every box: sweet lefty swing, quality bat-to-ball skills, defensive promise up the middle, and maturity beyond his years. He’s not chasing homers — he’s manufacturing line drives, hitting for contact, and using his instincts to make plays all over the field. Whether he stays at shortstop or shifts, Kilby is the kind of polished prospect fans love to root for — a bat-first infielder who looks ready to climb quickly, make his mark, and stick around for the long haul.
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