Yankees' George Lombard Jr. Promoted to Triple-A in Video, MLB's No. 27 Prospect
New York Yankees shortstop George Lombard Jr., the No. 27 overall prospect in MLB to start this season, is one step away from getting to the big leagues after being promoted to Triple-A.
In a video released on Wednesday afternoon, Lombard was informed by James Cooper, manager of the Double-A Somerset Patriots, that he was being promoted to the Yankees' Triple-A affiliate in Scranton-Wilkes Barre.
Lombard was the No. 26 pick in the 2023 MLB draft out of Gulliver Preparatory School in Florida. He had a commitment to Vanderbilt, but opted to go into pro ball when the Yankees gave him an over-slot signing bonus of $3.3 million.
His scouting report on MLB.com notes he has the potential to be a 25-25 player at shortstop.
During his brief cup of coffee in the minors late in the 2023 season, Lombard hit .311/.466/.356 with more walks (13) than strikeouts (12) in 13 games.
Lombard's first full season saw him struggle offensively with a .231/.338/.334 slash line in 110 games across two levels, but he also played the first two months of the year as an 18-year-old.
A red-hot start to the 2025 season in High-A essentially forced the Yankees to push Lombard up to Double-A early. He held is own against advanced competition despite being one of the youngest players in the High-A South Atlantic League prior to his promotion.
Through 20 games at Somerset to start this season, Lombard hit .312/.400/.571 in 77 at-bats to earn a promotion to Triple-A.
Lombard, who turns 21 on June 2, is primarily a shortstop with the ability to play second or third. There's certainly a path for him to debut in the Bronx by the end of this season if he plays well with Scranton-Wilkes Barre.
Ryan McMahon, who is New York's current starter at third base, is among the worst hitters in the AL to start this season with a .174/.278/.261 slash line in 79 plate appearances. He is hitting just .197/.299/.311 in 82 games with the Yankees since being acquired from the Colorado Rockies in July 2025.
The Yankees have been able to get away without much production at third base because their pitching staff, Aaron Judge and Ben Rice have been terrific. But if they want to put themselves in position to be a World Series contender, they will need to find an upgrade at the hot corner, and it could come internally if Lombard remains hot.
