George Lombard Jr.
Player Info
Age
20
Height
6' 2"
Weight
190 lbs
Bats/Throws
Right/Right
Draft
2023 Rnull (#null)
School
Vanderbilt
ETA
2027
2025 Season
Somerset Patriots
AVG
.215
HR
8
RBI
36
OPS
.695
SB
24
G
108
Year-by-Year Stats
| Year | Team | Lvl | G | AB | H | HR | RBI | SB | AVG | OBP | OPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | FCL Yankees | Rookie | 4 | 12 | 5 | 0 | 2 | 3 | .417 | .588 | 1.088 |
| 2023 | Tampa Tarpons | Single-A | 9 | 33 | 9 | 0 | 4 | 1 | .273 | .415 | .718 |
| 2024 | Tampa Tarpons | Single-A | 81 | 310 | 72 | 5 | 37 | 30 | .232 | .344 | .692 |
| 2024 | Hudson Valley Renegades | High-A | 29 | 115 | 26 | 0 | 8 | 9 | .226 | .321 | .617 |
| 2025 | Hudson Valley Renegades | High-A | 24 | 82 | 27 | 1 | 13 | 11 | .329 | .495 | .983 |
| 2025 | Somerset Patriots | AA | 108 | 391 | 84 | 8 | 36 | 24 | .215 | .337 | .695 |
Scouting
Scouting Grades
Hit
Power
Speed
Fielding
Arm
Scouting Report
Part of a baseball family that includes father George Sr. (former big league outfielder, current Tigers bench coach) and brother Jacob (top 2026 Draft prospect), Lombard signed for an over-slot $3.3 million as the 26th overall pick in the 2023 Draft. Among the four shortstops the Yankees have taken in the first round over the previous seven Drafts, Lombard has a better blend of offensive and defensive skills than Anthony Volpe (2019), Trey Sweeney (2021) and Dax Kilby (2025). He reached Double-A early last season at age 20, though he slashed just .215/.337/.358 with a 26 percent strikeout rate as the Eastern League's youngest batting qualifier. Despite an efficient right-handed swing and a patient approach, Lombard has persistent issues making contact against in-zone fastballs. Though he may not hit for a high average, he does draw enough walks (87 last year, the 13th-most in the Minors) to fuel healthy on-base percentages. He has the bat speed and growing strength to produce more power than most shortstops, and he started driving balls in the air more than ever in 2025. Lombard developed a high baseball IQ growing up around the game, and he plays even quicker than his solid speed on the bases and in the field. He's a potential 25-25 guy with fluid actions, range to both sides, quick hands and solid arm strength at shortstop. A reliable defender who committed just seven errors in 111 starts there last season, he also played well in brief action at second and third base.
FanGraphs Report
The son of a former big leaguer, Lombard has a well-rounded collection of present tools and skills, as well as long-term physical projection that might lead some of those tools to be plus. As a high school hitter he showed deft and skilled hitting hands that produced in-game doubles power to both gaps. He was also an elegant and smooth defender, and played all over the infield during pre-draft showcases because of the presence of other shortstops on the Southeast regional teams' rosters. He has the range, feet, hands, and actions to develop as a shortstop in pro ball. Barely 18 years old on draft day, Lombard's frame is still maturing and, especially now that he'll have been on a pro strength program, he stands a good chance to grow into meaningful power. Lombard could stand to have more a dynamic lower body and use the ground better when he swings, but the Yankees have helped hitters like Anthony Volpe improve in this regard. Changes to Lombard's swing and/or physicality should be keyed on as precursors to a breakout. His defense and hit tool foundation, combined with the chance he grows into pop, makes him a potential everyday infielder.