New York Yankees Receive Stern Trade Warning Before Spring Training

The New York Yankees didn't really make any major additions this offseason, with their most high-profile acquisition being pitcher Ryan Weathers.

The Yankees traded four prospects — including highly-regarded outfielder Dillon Lewis — to the Miami Marlins in exchange for Weathers, and outside of re-signing their own players, that was really the extent of their notable winter activity.

But could another trade be on the horizon for New York?

The Yankees almost always swing midseason deals, so just about everyone is expecting New York to do something between now and the trade deadline.

If the Yanks do ultimately attempt to make a trade at some point in 2026, however, Alexander Wilson of Empire Sport Media has identified one player the Yankees should protect at all costs: shortstop Dax Kilby.

"The Yankees have a history of trading away high-floor prospects for veteran rentals, but doing that here would be a catastrophic mistake," Wilson wrote. "Kilby represents the exact 'on-base plus athleticism' profile that the modern game demands. He is the bridge to the next era of Yankees baseball. Don’t be surprised when he’s a Top-10 global prospect by mid-July."

Kilby was ranked 97th on MLB.com's top 100 prospects list and is coming off of a 2025 campaign in which he slashed .353/.457/.441 at Single-A Tampa.

It should be noted that Kilby's production was over 81 plate appearances, so it was obviously an incredibly minute sample size, but there is no denying the tantalizing talent the 19-year-old flashed last season.

The Yankees selected Kilby with the 39th overall pick of the MLB Draft last year and are hoping he will eventually form one half of their infield, with George Lombard Jr. patrolling the other side.

This would require a position change on the part of Kilby, as Lombard is as terrific shortstop. But Kilby should have no problem moving to second base.

Wilson is right: New York should absolutely be aiming to keep Kilby out of trade discussions, as there is a legitimate chance that he will become the team's top prospect by the end of 2026.

Brian Cashman has certainly been stingy with his prospects in recent year (sometimes to a fault), so Yankees fans probably have nothing to worry about when it comes to Kilby potentially being dealt.

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