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CLEARWATER, Fla.— Ask anyone in the Yankees organization about nearly any promising young prospect and inevitably, they steer the conversation toward George Lombard Jr.
Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Greg Joyce about the inside buzz on the Yankees from spring training The 19-year-old has stood out throughout the spring and he got another opportunity on Tuesday, this time against the Phillies and right-hander Zack Wheeler.Lombard answered with a 106 mph single, all while starting again at shortstop.And it’s not just scouts and executives who have taken notice of the 2023 first-round pick (26th overall) — it’s also potential future teammates.That includes Aaron Judge, who has watched him not only in Grapefruit League games, but also on the back fields in Tampa.“The tools are all there,” Judge said at Steinbrenner Field Tuesday.“I saw him take ground balls on Field 2 and he had an infield of Jazz [Chisholm Jr.], [Anthony] Volpe and Ben Rice.
[Lombard] was smooth and athletic at third base.I know he’s a shortstop, but watching him at different spots, I’m excited for the future.”And like everyone else who’s come across Lombard — whose father, George, played parts of six seasons in the majors — Judge has come away impressed by the son’s presence.“He’s a great kid,” Judge said.
“He’s a hard worker who goes and does his thing.He doesn’t say much.
He shows up and does what he needs to do.And the power he’s already showing, he’s gonna be something special.”Lombard isn’t expected to hit the majors until 2027, but he’s already ranked as the No.
2 prospect in the organization by MLB Pipeline, behind only Jasson Domínguez — who is projected to be the Opening Day left fielder this season.Asked about the stir he’d caused among fans — and within the organization — Lombard said, “I’ve heard a little, but I’m not focused on that right now since it’s e...