Yankees Draft Dax Kilby

ATLANTA – As scouts started showing up at high school games this season, Dax Kilby started to think that being drafted might actually be within reach. The shortstop set his hopes high, especially after the Yankees brought him to Tampa for private training following his season.

This dream became a reality when the Yankees selected Kilby as their first-round pick, going 39th overall, on Sunday.

“I’m really excited to sign and get started,” Kilby shared during a Thursday call from the Yankees’ player development complex in Tampa.

Damon Oppenheimer, the Yankees’ vice president of amateur scouting, mentioned earlier this week that the team is focusing on Kilby as they prepare for the draft, including the private training sessions.

“I felt like I was quite the focus, especially being the only one present during the workout. I really felt at home,” Kilby recalled. “I loved every moment with the Yankees organization, and I aimed to be part of it leading up to the draft.”

A left-handed hitter, Kilby looks up to players like Christian Yelich and Jackson Merrill, saying he tries to model his swing after theirs.

After being picked, Kilby received a call from Aaron Boone that same Wednesday night and got a message via Instagram from Nick Swisher.

“I’m thrilled to join this incredible organization,” he expressed. “I feel very grateful to play for such a prestigious MLB team.”

On Thursday, the Yankees moved Clayton Beeter to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre to create space for right-handed reliever Rico Garcia, who was claimed off waivers from the Mets earlier in the week. Beeter has had a tough season, giving up six runs on five hits in just two appearances.