George Lombard Jr.

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.