The New York Yankees made waves on their July 14 off-day, drafting Kaeden Kent, son of an MVP. Discover the strategy behind their 2025 draft picks.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
While the Yankees enjoyed a day off from the on-field grind, the front office was anything but quiet. In a move that sent a ripple of excitement through the fanbase, the team drafted Kaeden Kent, a versatile infielder from Texas A&M and the son of former NL MVP Jeff Kent. It was the headline move on a day dedicated to building for the future and shoring up the present.
Kaeden Kent, the Yankees' 103rd overall pick, posted an impressive .943 OPS with 13 home runs for Texas A&M in 2025.
The biggest news of the day was the selection of Kaeden Kent with the 103rd overall pick. While his father, Jeff, was a feared slugger known for his time with the Giants, the younger Kent is carving his own path as a do-it-all utility prospect. After a stellar season at Texas A&M where he hit .279 with 13 homers and 49 RBI, Kent has shown he has the bat to make an impact. The Yankees reportedly love his versatility, with experience all over the infield and even in the outfield. He's not just a legacy pick; he's a legitimate prospect with a rising power profile and solid plate discipline.
The Kent selection wasn't an isolated move; it was part of a clear and deliberate draft strategy. Earlier on Day 2, the Yankees used their 39th overall pick on Kilby, a toolsy high school shortstop out of Georgia. Paired with the Kent pick, it shows a significant pivot from last year's pitching-heavy draft. The front office is clearly stocking the farm system with athletic, middle-infield talent, looking for the next Gleyber Torres or Anthony Volpe. This focus on up-the-middle players provides a strong foundation for the organization's future.
Beyond the draft, the Yankees made a savvy move for the big-league roster, claiming right-handed pitcher Rico Garcia off waivers from the crosstown-rival Mets. The 31-year-old journeyman provides immediate bullpen depth. While his Triple-A ERA of 4.45 doesn't jump off the page, he has been effective in limited MLB action this season, tossing 4.2 scoreless innings. Garcia is a low-risk depth piece who can eat innings and potentially stabilize the middle relief corps. It's not a blockbuster trade, but it's the kind of practical transaction that helps a contender weather the long 162-game season.
Monday was a perfect snapshot of how a winning organization operates: one eye on the future with exciting draft picks like Kent and Kilby, and the other on the present with a practical bullpen addition in Garcia. As these draftees begin their professional journeys and Garcia joins the pitching staff, the Yankees continue to build a sustainable machine designed to compete for years to come. Now, we wait to see which of these new names will be the first to make their mark in pinstripes.
