Dax Kilby Got His Wish After ‘Hoping’ Yankees Would Draft Him
Dax Kilby’s dream became a reality on Tuesday when the New York Yankees selected the promising young pitcher in the 12th round of the 2025 MLB Draft. The 19-year-old right-hander from Bakersfield, California, had long admired the Yankees and even admitted he was “hoping” they would take a chance on him.
“I’ve been a Yankees fan since I was a kid,” Kilby said in a post-draft interview. “It’s honestly unreal. When I saw my name pop up next to theirs, I couldn’t believe it.”
Kilby starred at Centennial High School before spending one year at a junior college, where he impressed scouts with his fastball velocity and mound presence. His fastball routinely touched 96 mph, and his sharp slider became his go-to pitch against both righties and lefties. He finished his freshman year with a 2.35 ERA and 98 strikeouts in 72 innings.
What made Kilby even more attractive to the Yankees was his mentality. According to one scout, “He pitches like a guy who belongs in the big leagues. He’s not afraid of the spotlight, and that’s something you can’t teach.”
Kilby’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. He went undrafted out of high school, partly due to questions about his control. But a strong work ethic and focused offseason training turned him into one of the most improved junior college pitchers in the country. By spring, his command issues were a thing of the past.
The Yankees see Kilby as a potential back-end starter or high-leverage reliever, depending on how his development continues. For now, Kilby is just thrilled to be part of the organization he grew up idolizing.
“I’m ready to work,” he said. “Getting drafted by the Yankees is just the beginning. Now it’s time to prove I belong.”
With his wish fulfilled and his path now aligned with the Bronx Bombers, Dax Kilby is one step closer to fulfilling his ultimate dream—pitching at Yankee Stadium.
