George Lombard Jr.is the Yankees’ top prospect and his timeline for a big league call is always the topic of conversation. Fans are talking even more about the potential of Lombard Jr. in the Yankees lineup this offseason due to the injury and ineffectiveness of Anthony Volpeat shortstop.
However, Yankees GM Brian Cashman tempered expectations for his young infielder on a Zoom call with the media on Wednesday.
When asked directly how far off he viewed Lombard Jr. from making it to the major leagues, the longtime GM said it was difficult to assess for a few reasons.
“Players that possess some high-ceiling talent, which Lombard has, once it comes altogether, it can come really fast, it’s just an avalanche of success of instant ready,” Cashman said. “He could be coming on strong as early as next year or he might need some more time. The game will tell us more than anything else.
“Defensively, he’s ready to go and offensively, it looks like he needs more time and we’re looking to ride that time and those reps.”
The 20-year-old tore through High-A ball this past season, slashing .329/.495/.488 with an OPS of .983 to go along with one home run and 13 RBI across 24 games. Those numbers warranted a promotion to Double-A, where he struggled at the plate.
Across 108 games with the Somerset Patriots, Lombard Jr. slashed .215/.337/.358 with an OPS of .695. He did see his home run output increase (8), but he struck out 124 times.
The Yankees are set in the infield heading into the 2025 season. Barring any offseason moves, Jazz Chisholm Jr. will be the Opening Day second baseman while Ryan McMahon will likely start at third base. Ben Rice will be at first and shortstop will be Jose Caballerountil Volpe returns from shoulder surgery.
Those factors leave Cashman believing they won’t see Lombard Jr. with the Yankees in 2026 but things can change quickly as the organization saw with another prospect in 2025.
“I wouldn’t think ’26 is on the horizon, but I wouldn’t rule out some point in ’26 at the same time because you saw what happened with Spencer Joneslast year, where he started to tear through all levels,” Cashman said. “And once it starts coming together, there’s no stopping a lot of these guys unless somebody’s standing in front of them at the major league level. So, we’ll see.”
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