The Yankees need to leave behind the poor results they reaped in the 2025 season as soon as possible, a team with their history and economic power is obliged to be a protagonist in MLB. That is why in New York they are already working on one of their weak points, defense.
At the center of that conversation is Anthony Volpe, who went through a tough year playing injured and making costly errors. While the team tries to get back on track, a young talent is quietly coming to the fore: George Lombard Jr., who has been singled out by several scouts as the shortstop of the future in the Bronx.
A position under scrutiny in New York
Among the many factors that explain the collapse of the Yankees in 2025, defense was front and center. Anthony Volpe, who took on the challenge of being the starting shortstop, committed 19 errors, the highest figure in the league. This was compounded by below-average defensive performance, largely affected by a partial tear of the labrum in his left shoulder.
The physical limitations not only impacted his glove, but also his offense, fueling doubts at a historically key position for the franchise. Against this backdrop, the organization added Josh Caballero as an immediate alternative, while a possible long-term solution is brewing in the minor leagues.
George Lombard Jr, a young talent looking to make his mark in New York
At just 20 years of age, George Lombard Jr. has begun to attract attention not only for his projection, but also for his performance. The player himself, aware of the environment, avoids looking too far ahead.
We don’t know what’s going to happen in the future. A million things can happen between now and then, many of them completely unexpected, so I always try to avoid looking too far into the future and concentrate on my day-to-day life
His numbers back up the enthusiasm. In 2023, in 13 minor league games, he posted a .311/.466/.356 batting line. A year later, he took another leap in High-A, hitting .329/.495/.488 in 24 games. The quality of contact also stands out, with an average exit velocity of 88.6 mph and a maximum of 110.3 mph
By 2026, Anthony Volpe is still the bet
Despite growing pressure, the Yankees remain confident in Anthony Volpe. At 25 years old, the club believes he still has room for growth. His offensive numbers in the majors reflect inconsistencies: in 1,886 plate appearances he has 82 doubles, 52 home runs and 70 stolen bases, but with a .662 OPS and an OPS+ of 84.
Even so, the New York management is confident that, with full fitness, Volpe will become the player they need, and that he has already shown he can be, such as the grand slam in the 2024 World Series, giving him a vote of confidence ahead of the start of the season.
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