On Yankees Latest, John Laloggia recaps the Yankees’ selection of high-contact shortstop Dax Kilby in the first round of the draft, highlighting the club’s need for more contact hitters after leading MLB in home runs but ranking among the highest in strikeouts. With a bonus pool limited by luxury tax penalties and the Max Fried signing, John explains why the Yankees’ 2025 draft strategy focused on infield upside and plate approach. He reviews the first-half record (53-43, second in the AL), praises key offseason moves and the team's power surge at home, but warns that inconsistency, defensive lapses, and high whiff rates could cost them in October. Injury updates include Max Fried (blister, day-to-day), Ryan Yarbrough, and Luis Gil making progress. Looking ahead, John pitches a bold trade idea: swing big for Pirates’ star O’Neil Cruz—a high-risk, high-upside move to add athleticism and versatility, even as infield and bullpen depth remain the Yankees’ most pressing needs at the deadline.