Aaron Judge Left in Awe of Rising Yankees Star George Lombard Jr.: “He’s a Combination of Chisholm, Volpe, and Rice!”

It’s not every day that New York Yankees captain Aaron Judge offers glowing praise for a rising star. Known for his reserved demeanor and high standards, Judge’s admiration for a young player speaks volumes about their potential. This spring, the spotlight has been on George Lombard Jr., a talented infielder and first-round pick from 2023, who has quickly caught the attention of not only the fans but also the Yankees’ veteran stars.

As the Yankees continue to experiment with their prospects during spring training, they’ve seen a few standout performances. Among them, Spencer Jones has grabbed headlines with his powerful three-run home run, but it’s George Lombard Jr. who has left the biggest impression on Aaron Judge. After Lombard’s recent explosive outings, including a home run against veteran pitcher Zack Wheeler of the Philadelphia Phillies, Judge made it clear that the young infielder has skills that resemble some of the best in the game today.

“I saw him take ground balls on Field 2, and he had an infield of Jazz [Chisholm Jr.], [Anthony] Volpe, and Ben Rice,” Judge said, comparing Lombard’s smooth and athletic infield work to that of these notable stars. The comparison alone speaks volumes about Lombard’s abilities—Chisholm is known for his flashy plays at second base, Volpe has emerged as one of the Yankees’ top young talents with his exceptional fielding at shortstop, and Rice has proven himself as a reliable presence behind the plate. For Judge to see these qualities in Lombard is nothing short of a major endorsement.

It’s unsure if Lombard will play for the Yanks this season. The good news is that they have a strong slugger ready to step up when needed.

Despite being primarily known as a shortstop, Lombard’s ability to play multiple positions is what has really turned heads. In particular, his performance at third base has stood out during spring training. Judge emphasized Lombard’s “smooth and athletic” movements, showing his versatility and adaptability in the field. These are key attributes that will serve Lombard well as he continues to develop his game and work towards breaking into the majors.

Lombard’s impressive performances haven’t been limited to just his defensive prowess—his bat has also been a force to be reckoned with. A homer against the Pirates just a day before his outing against Wheeler further demonstrated Lombard’s potential to contribute offensively, making him an even more exciting prospect for the Yankees’ future. It’s clear that this young star has a well-rounded skill set that has impressed even the most seasoned veterans like Judge.

While it’s still uncertain whether Lombard will make his big-league debut with the Yankees this season, the fact that Judge is already singing his praises bodes well for the future. The Yankees have a wealth of young talent in their system, and Lombard could very well be the next big name to make an impact on the team. His combination of infield prowess, offensive power, and athleticism places him among the most promising prospects to watch.

Fans are eagerly anticipating the next steps in Lombard’s journey, hoping to see him take the field for the Yankees sooner rather than later. With the team already boasting a solid roster, having young stars like Lombard ready to step up when needed only adds to the excitement surrounding the future of the Yankees. If he continues to impress like this, it may not be long before Lombard is a key figure in New York’s lineup, helping to lead the team into the next chapter of their storied history.