The New York Yankees gave George Lombard Jr. one final opportunity to face his father’s team this spring before reassigning him to minor league camp following their win over the Detroit Tigers. The 19-year-old infield prospect impressed throughout spring training, showcasing his potential while injuries to Giancarlo Stanton and DJ LeMahieu opened the door for him to get extended playing time.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73889115/2038744750.0.jpg)
Entering camp as one of the Yankees’ most exciting young infielders, Lombard exceeded expectations. The team tested him at shortstop, second base, and third base to enhance his defensive versatility as he continues developing in the minors. Though he was never expected to make the Opening Day roster, his athleticism, defensive instincts, and flashes of offensive upside caught attention. His standout moment came when he crushed a 414-foot home run, putting his raw power on full display.
“He’s been terrific,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said earlier in camp. “Defensively, he’s really special. He’s had a lot of good at-bats lately, driving balls into the gaps. This one, he hit where the grass doesn’t grow—it was a no-doubter.”
Lombard, the son of former major leaguer and current Tigers bench coach George Lombard, was a first-round pick for the Yankees in the 2023 MLB Draft. Last season, he split time between Single-A Tampa and High-A Hudson Valley, appearing in 110 games while batting .254 with a .704 OPS and 42 stolen bases. Scouts expect his offensive production to improve as he fills out physically and refines his swing.
Although he won’t start the season in the Bronx, Lombard’s strong spring reinforced the belief that he could be a key part of the Yankees’ future. His performance has put him firmly on the team’s radar, and it may not be long before he forces his way to the majors.
