Yankees take gutsy leap by selecting son of former MVP in 2025 MLB Draft

While New York Yankees fans scratched their heads after the team made its first selection in the 2025 MLB Draft, there wasn't such confusion when their turn came around again in the third round with the 103rd pick.

The selection of Dax Kilby was followed by Kaeden Kent, and both were taken arguably a lot sooner than they should have been. But Kent at least has some name recognition, being the son of former MVP and five-time All-Star Jeff Kent.

Kilby was regarded as the 62nd overall prospect in the pre-draft rankings, and he was taken at No. 39. Kent was ... not even on MLB Pipeline's Top 250 and the Yankees scooped him up at No. 103. Kilby, a high schooler, might've been an underslot play for the Yankees to spend more later on should they see an opportunity.

As for Kent, he absolutely dominated his last two years at Texas A&M and logged two summers in the Cape Cod League. The Aggies made a run in the 2024 College World Series and Kent had a signature moment, belting a go-ahead grand slam against Oregon in their quest to the Finals (where they would lose to Tennessee).

Excuse us? Clutch? Yankees fans are missing that, and they'll take anybody with a semblance of that gene in their DNA.

Yankees' 2025 MLB Draft: NYY selects Kaeden Kent with 103rd pick

Though Kent only played shortstop last season with Texas A&M, he profiles as a possible utility option having logged reps at first, second, third and all three outfield spots dating back to 2023. One of the MLB comps for the 6-foot-2, 200 pound 21-year-old was "Tommy Edman lite."

Last year, the Yankees went all out on pitching to revamp their farm system that was lacking depth. This year, they went with two under-the-radar middle infield talents that might take a little bit more time to develop. But smart fans know not to judge draft selections until they have some professional reps under their belt.

Kent saw a drastic improvement in his numbers year over year at Texas A&M. In 2024, he hit .327 with 4 home runs, 28 RBI and a .905 OPS across 51 games. In 2025, he hit .279 with 13 home runs, 49 RBI and a .943 OPS through 56 games. He traded some average and OBP for slugging, and the results were noticeable.

Another promising trait? He doesn't strike out — 55 total Ks over those two seasons vs 53 walks. He's known to work counts and send the ball into the gap. Dad would be proud if he can take all of that with him to the next level.