New York Yankees infielder Jazz Chisholm Jr. is currently on a rehab assignment with Double-A Somerset, recovering from an oblique injury with hopes of rejoining the Yankees by Tuesday. While his stay in the minors is expected to be brief, Chisholm is relishing the chance to share the field with the Yankees’ top prospect, 19-year-old shortstop George Lombard Jr., whom he describes as a “once-in-a-lifetime talent” with an almost otherworldly skill set.
“This kid is a veteran at 19 years old,” Chisholm remarked. “You don’t see talent like this often — alien-level talent. From spring training to now, watching how much he’s grown, his mentality, it’s amazing.”
George Lombard Jr.’s Meteoric Rise
Selected as the Yankees’ first-round pick (26th overall) in the 2023 draft, Lombard has been climbing the ranks of the farm system at an impressive pace. Starting the season at High-A Hudson Valley, he posted a stellar .329/.495/.488 slash line over 24 games, earning a promotion to Double-A Somerset on May 6. However, the transition to Double-A has been challenging, as expected for a player of his age.
“It’s a hard level to conquer,” said Ryan Garcia of Fireside Yankees. In 21 games and 92 plate appearances with Somerset, Lombard is batting .211 with 15 hits, including one double and one triple. “He needs to hit for more power to reach superstar status,” Garcia noted. “Without it, he might not live up to the top-five or top-10 prospect billing some have projected for him.”
Despite the modest batting average, Lombard’s plate discipline remains a standout feature of his game. With 18 walks, he maintains an impressive .370 on-base percentage. “I’ve always taken pride in staying in my zone and having a good eye,” Lombard said. “That’s always been a big part of my game, and I plan to keep refining it throughout my career.”
Lombard’s ability to work the count is evident in his nearly 4.5 pitches per plate appearance at Somerset. “The plate discipline is ridiculous,” Garcia said. “He makes so much contact and gorgeous swing decisions. This is an extremely mature hitter for his age.”
A Defensive Prodigy Compared to a Legend
While Lombard’s bat is still developing, his defensive prowess at shortstop is already turning heads. Somerset manager Raul Dominguez has drawn comparisons to 11-time Gold Glove winner Omar Vizquel. “With the hands that he has, that’s the player that comes to mind,” Dominguez said. “If he keeps working hard and stays focused on his goals, he could win a lot of Gold Gloves in the big leagues.”
Chisholm, who is getting innings at third base alongside Lombard during his rehab stint, echoed this sentiment. “George is pretty amazing,” he said. “The numbers might not show it yet, but when you watch this 19-year-old kid make every play on defense and barrel up every pitch he’s supposed to, you can’t wait to see him in the big leagues. He’s going to rise and shine as a star.”
A Star in the Making
Chisholm’s excitement about Lombard’s potential is palpable. Despite the statistical challenges at Double-A, Lombard’s combination of elite plate discipline, defensive brilliance, and mental maturity suggests a bright future. “It’s obvious he’s going to be a success for the Yankees,” Chisholm said.
As Lombard continues to refine his game, the Yankees and their fans eagerly await the moment this “alien-level talent” makes his mark in the majors. For now, Chisholm and the Somerset Patriots are getting a front-row seat to a prospect who, at just 19, is already showing signs of greatness.