It’ll likely be a few years before Aaron Judge and George Lombard Jr. regularly share a spot in the New York Yankees lineup.
Good thing Judge already loves what he sees in the 19-year-old shortstop.
Lombard, the Yankees’ consensus No. 2 prospect behind outfielder Jasson Domínguez, has impressed throughout the spring. The 2023 No. 26 selection owns a .333 average, two home runs, and four RBI across eight preseason games.
Lombard turned heads again Tuesday, drilling a 106 mph single off Phillies ace Zack Wheeler.
Another day, another knock for George Lombard Jr. 👊 pic.twitter.com/PLfnBb9Smy
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) March 4, 2025
Count Judge, himself a former top prospect, among those extremely impressed thus far.
“He’s gonna be something special,” Judge said, according to the New York Post.
Judge specifically praised Lombardi’s work ethic and power. Although he only hit .231 across two minor-league levels last year, Lombard tallied 25 doubles, stole 39 bases, and had a .338 on-base percentage.
For comparison, 40 MLB players had at least a .338 OBP last year. You’ll likely know some of the names on that list, from MVP winners Judge and Shohei Ohtani to Bobby Witt, Kyle Schwarber, and Francisco Lindor.
New York Yankees shortstop George Lombard Jr.
Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
“He’s a great kid,” Judge said.
“He’s a hard worker who goes and does his thing,” the Yankees’ captain added. “He doesn’t say much. He shows up and does what he needs to do.”
It is unclear if Lombard will start the season at High-A, where he ended 2024, or move up to Double-A. At this rate, though, don’t be surprised to see Lombard in the Bronx before you know it.