New York Yankees Jon Heyman George Lombard Jr. understands his Yankees mission — and has chance to become ‘very special’ By Jon Heyman Published Aug. 7, 2026, 7:57 p.m. ET New York Yankees' George Lombard Jr. (96) during a game against the St. Louis Cardinals. Robert Sabo for the NY Post If his beautiful beginning is any indication, George Lombard Jr. certainly isn’t overwhelmed to be the third-youngest debuting shortstop in the Yankees’ storied history. The two younger than Lombard’s 21 years, 63 days were Bobby Murcer, 19, and Derek Jeter, 20.
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Lombard, a late first-round pick, turned out to be the biggest addition in an otherwise underwhelming Yankees deadline in a time of uninspiring play by the legendary team. It’s unfair to pin the savior label on any 21-year-old, but judging by early interactions, even that’s not going to throw him off his considerable game.
Lombard said he felt like he’d been here before as soon as he crossed the white lines on Day One. No doubt, he looks like he belongs.
