It’s not often that Yankees captain Aaron Judge openly expresses admiration for a newcomer. As a standout player in the league, accolades from Judge carry significant weight. The Yankees are currently in the process of exploring their roster during spring training, giving their prospects a chance to shine.
Recently, a number of future stars have demonstrated their potential on the field. Among them, Spencer Jones has attracted considerable attention, but the spotlight is predominantly on George Lombard Jr., who exhibited remarkable skill during the Yankees’ latest match against the Phillies.
Lombard showcased his power by hitting a home run against experienced pitcher Zack Wheeler. The shortstop, selected as a first-round pick in the 2023 draft, has already made headlines, having also knocked a homer against the Pirates just a day earlier. Notably, Judge has expressed his admiration for Lombard, drawing comparisons to several prominent Yankees players.
“The tools are all there. I saw him take ground balls on Field 2 and he had an infield of Jazz [Chisholm Jr.], [Anthony] Volpe, and Ben Rice. [Lombard] was smooth and athletic at third base. I know he’s a shortstop, but watching him at different spots, I’m excited for the future,” Judge stated.
Yankees prospect George Lombard Jr., 19, is already wowing Aaron Judge: ‘Something special’ https://t.co/uhCEWZLtVP pic.twitter.com/1qiHBQ4CkA
— New York Post Sports (@nypostsports) March 5, 2025
As for whether Lombard will join the Yankees this season, that remains uncertain. However, the team is clearly nurturing a talented prospect who could make an impact when the opportunity arises.
Aaron Judge Anticipates a Resilient 2025 Season Following Recent Setbacks
Judge has recently taken a moment to reflect on the team’s hardships over the past two years. The Yankees missed the playoffs in 2023, and last season’s World Series campaign ended in disappointment. Now, the captain is eager to reclaim a competitive edge as the 2025 season approaches.
“2023 left a bad taste in everybody’s mouth, especially not even making the postseason for the first time, and then, you know, going all the way to the dance and not finishing the job definitely left an even worst taste,” Judge remarked.
Aaron Judge finished 1-for-2 with a pair of RBI. The defending AL MVP caught up with @M_Marakovits after his spring debut. #YANKSonYES pic.twitter.com/bs7jvbajBZ
— YES Network (@YESNetwork) March 1, 2025
With hopes of experiencing another MVP-caliber season ahead of him, Judge is navigating the challenges presented by injuries to several teammates. Meanwhile, skepticism regarding the Yankees’ status as a competitive team continues to loom over their prospects.
