George Lombard Jr. is the YankeesThe top prospect and his timetable for a big league call-up are always the topic of conversation. Fans are talking even more about Lombard Jr.’s potential in the Yankees lineup this offseason due to the injury and ineffectiveness of Anthony Volpe at shortstop.
However, Yankees GM Brian Cashman tempered expectations for his young infielder during a Zoom call with the media Wednesday.
When asked directly how far he sees Lombard Jr. from making it to the major leagues, the longtime general manager said it’s difficult to gauge for several reasons.
"Players who have high level talent, like Lombard, once it all comes together it can come very quickly, it’s just an avalanche of success ready instantly," Cashman said. "He could become strong as early as next year or need 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 capitalize on that time and reps."
The 20-year-old tore up High-A ball last season, slashing .329/.495/.488 with a .983 OPS to go along with a home run and 13 RBIs in 24 games. Those numbers justified a promotion to Double-A, where he struggled at the plate.
Over 108 games with the Somerset Patriots, Lombard Jr. slashed .215/.337/.358 with an OPS of .695. He saw his home run production increase (8), but he struck out 124 times.
The Yankees are set to take the field ahead of 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 first and the shortstop will be Jose Caballero until Volpe returned from shoulder surgery.
These 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 don’t think 26 is on the horizon, but I wouldn’t rule out a moment in 26 at the same time because you saw what happened with Spencer Jones last year, where he started to cross all the levels," Cashman said. "And once everything starts to come together, there’s no stopping a lot of these guys unless someone stands in front of them at the major league level. So, we’ll see."
Brian Cashman says it’s unlikely George Lombard Jr. will return next year, but he doesn’t rule out the possibility either. pic.twitter.com/CrJ25MXJkR
– Yankees Videos (@snyyankees) November 12, 2025
