This story was excerpted from Bryan Hoch’s Yankees Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.
TORONTO -- George Lombard Jr. is checking every box as the Yankees’ top prospect continues his march toward the big leagues, earning his latest honor with a selection to the American League roster for the 2025 All-Star Futures Game on July 12 at Atlanta’s Truist Park.
“I’m really excited,” Lombard, 20, said on MLB Network. “It’s a game that I have watched on TV for as long as I can remember, so I’m really excited to get out there and just spend time with all the guys, get to know people.”
The Yankees’ first-round selection (26th overall) in the 2023 MLB Draft from Gulliver Prep in Miami, Lombard opened this season with High-A Hudson Valley, with whom he batted .329/.495/.488 (27-for-82) with eight doubles, one triple, one homer, 13 RBIs and 11 steals in 24 games.
Lombard was promoted to Double-A Somerset on May 6. Through Wednesday, the infielder is batting .208/.336/.315 (37-for-178) with seven doubles, three triples, two homers, 16 RBIs and 14 steals in 50 games.
“You notice a few things at first; just [that] guys [are] a little bit older, a little bit more experienced,” Lombard said. “As you start playing, you realize that you’re going to have to take advantage of opportunities. You’re probably not going to get as many mistakes. Stuff is going to be around the zone, more competitive.”
Defensively, Lombard has seen most of his time at shortstop, but he has also dabbled at second base and third base.
“What helps me with defense is the fact that I enjoy doing it so much,” Lombard said. “My whole life, whenever we go out there, my dad and my brother -- we take ground balls and we have a blast. We’ll be out there for hours, all day, just having fun. I think that’s how you get better, being an athlete and being on the field, making plays.”
Yankees manager Aaron Boone said he is “super excited” about Lombard’s future.
“I think he’s going to be a really good player in this league,” Boone said. “Two-way player, outstanding defender, runs well. The bat keeps coming, keeps getting better and better.
“You really notice the physicality of him -- you see that year-to-year development. As good a makeup as you can have; loves the game, works incredibly hard, plays hard. He’s one of those guys you want driving your culture. He’s that kind of special-makeup kid.”
Lombard, who has batted .241/.366/.348 in three seasons as a member of the Yankees’ organization (2023-25), is the son of former Major League outfielder and current Tigers bench coach George Lombard.
“He’s been talking to me about baseball since I can remember,” Lombard said of his father. “I feel like it’s been part of my blood for my entire life. He’s helped me so much, whether that was on the field, off the field, learning the lifestyle and what it takes to be a big leaguer every single day. I’m always grateful for all the help.”
Big-swinging outfielder Spencer Jones, the Yanks’ No. 2 prospect, has represented the organization at the last two Futures Games. Left-hander Brock Selvidge (No. 8) was also selected for the 2024 AL roster.