Jun 24, 2024; Omaha, NE, USA; Texas A&M Aggies second baseman Kaeden Kent (3) slides into third base against the Tennessee Volunteers during the seventh inning at Charles Schwab Field Omaha. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-Imagn Images Steven Branscombe-Imagn Images

Yankees Sign Third-Round Draft Pick

Originally posted on New York Yankees on SI
By Delilah Bourque | Last updated Jul 17, 2025 4:34 PM ET

The New York Yankees have a new shortstop in the pipeline. According to MLB.com's Jim Callis, Yankees' third round draft pick Kaeden Kent signed a $744,400 deal with the team.

3rd-rder Kaeden Kent signs w/@Yankees for $744,400 (full slot 103 value). @AggieBaseball SS, son of Jeff & similarly profiles as an offensive 2B, could be an average hitter with power to match, high baseball IQ, 2024 postseason hero. @MLBDraft pic.twitter.com/D0ecRY8flg
— Jim Callis (@jimcallisMLB) July 17, 2025

The Yankees selected Kent, the son of 2000 NL MVP and infielder Jeff Kent, with their second pick, 103rd overall. Kent joins New York from Texas A&M, where he played three seasons, slashing .290/ .389/ .494 with 18 home runs and 100 RBIs across 135 games. According to Fan Graphs, Kent was rated the 102nd overall prospect in this year's draft. Though the Yankees' have the league's smallest bonus pool, they signed Kent to his full slot value as the 103rd pick.

Kent brings infield versatility to the Yankees, who have been struggling with exactly that. Shortstop Anthony Volpe is having a tough season, both in hitting and fielding, and fans have been calling for him to be benched in favor of promoting another prospect. Earlier this month, the Yankees moved Jazz Chisholm Jr. back to second base and benched DJ LeMahieu, who they would eventually designate for assignment.

While Kent and his fellow draft picks won't be debuting any time soon, the team is certainly looking ahead for depth and versatility in the future.

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