Newnan native Dax Kilby has been named the top standout pro debut from the 2025 MLB Draft class by Baseball America.
Drafted by the New York Yankees in July, Kilby quickly impressed in his first professional season. He slashed .353/.457/.441 with more walks than strikeouts, posted a 159 wRC+, and stole 16 bases in 17 attempts.
According to Baseball America, Kilby not only led all teenage hitters from the class who reached 50 plate appearances, he “essentially topped them all in every meaningful offensive category—both traditional and under-the-hood batted-ball data.”
Kilby, a standout shortstop for Newnan High, helped lead the Cougars to their first Georgia Class 5A state championship in 34 years earlier this spring.
Scouts have long viewed him as one of the more polished high school bats in his class, praising his compact, quick swing and mature gap-to-gap approach.
During his senior season, Kilby batted .495 with 53 runs scored, 11 doubles, four triples, five home runs, 42 RBIs, 33 walks and 15 stolen bases, posting an .838 slugging percentage.
MLB Pipeline noted his ability to rarely chase pitches outside the zone and make consistent, quality contact.
Now part of a Yankees farm system already loaded with talent, Kilby has positioned himself as one of the organization’s most exciting young prospects.