Dax Kilby, a highly touted Clemson baseball commit, had his dreams realized as he was selected by the New York Yankees with the 39th overall pick in the 2025 MLB Draft. The announcement, made on July 13th, marks a significant milestone for the young infielder and the Clemson baseball program.
Kilby, who committed to Clemson on November 25, 2023, was the first Clemson commit selected in the draft this year. The 39th pick comes with a slot value of approximately $2.51 million, suggesting a promising future for Kilby within the Yankees organization.
What the Yankees Are Getting
Standing at 6-foot-2, Kilby is an infielder from Newman High School in Georgia. He is considered a top prospect, drawing comparisons to Chase Harlan from last year's draft. Perfect Game ranks him as the No. 3 player in Georgia and No. 42 nationally. He led his high school team to a state championship, showcasing his leadership and talent.
Impressive High School Stats
Kilby's high school performance speaks volumes about his potential. He boasted a .495 batting average with five home runs, 11 doubles, four triples, and 42 RBIs in just 99 at-bats. These impressive stats earned him the title of region player of the year and MVP in the state championship series. Perfect Game gave him a perfect 10/10 rating, indicating his potential as a high draft pick and/or an elite college prospect.
Combine Performance
At the MLB draft combine, Kilby demonstrated his athleticism by running the 30-yard dash in 3.55 seconds, ranking fourth in the drill. He is also recognized as one of the most polished hitters coming out of high school.
To Clemson or the Yankees?
Kilby has the option to attend Clemson for the next three years if he doesn't receive his ideal signing bonus from the Yankees. However, if an agreement is reached, he will join the Yankees organization, following in the footsteps of Harlan and Dillon Head (2023), who were also Clemson recruits but ultimately chose to pursue their professional careers directly.
Other Clemson Prospects
Cam Cannarella, another Clemson prospect, is also expected to be a high pick in the draft. Ryan Wideman, a transfer portal commitment, is also ranked among top prospects. The MLB draft continues with rounds 4-20, where more Clemson-affiliated players may be selected.
The Yankees' acquisition of Dax Kilby marks an exciting chapter for both the player and the team, and baseball fans will be eager to see how his career unfolds.