The New York Yankees are plummeting. A title-contending team has lost its way, losing 16 out of its last 22 games. This extended slump has resulted in them losing a comfortable division lead. And Anthony Volpe’s inconsistency at shortstop has been one of the focal points of the crisis. The 2023 Gold Glove winner is struggling tremendously. He has already committed 11 errors, and his Defensive Runs Saved has plummeted to just +3. His offensive contributions have been subpar as well.
Amid these struggles, a voice from the farm system has offered a refreshing perspective on how to play the game. In a recent interview with MLB Network, the Yankees’ top prospect George Lombard Jr. radiated pure joy for his craft. When asked about his slick defense, he didn’t talk about pressure. He talked about his passion for the work itself.
“I think what helps me with defense is just the fact that I enjoy doing it so much,” Lombard explained. “My whole life… my dad and my brother, we go out there and take ground balls and I have a blast… I think that’s how you get better.”
George Lombard Jr. talks about playing in the Yankees organization and how he got to wear #️⃣2️⃣ for the @SOMPatriots! pic.twitter.com/JwVpzY432M
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) July 5, 2025
The conversation then turned to a symbolic piece of his journey. The hosts mentioned that he wears the number two jersey with the Double-A Somerset Patriots, which holds legendary status in the Bronx, as it belongs to Derek Jeter. Lombard casually revealed the jersey was simply waiting for him in his locker.
Lombard is the son of Tigers bench coach George Lombard Sr. The Pinstripes drafted him in the first round of the 2023 draft. And manager Boone has already said that he is a “special-makeup kid” who can help drive a team’s culture. Scouts also project him to be a potential five-tool star.
The 20-year-old began the 2025 season with a bang, dominating at the High-A level with an incredible .983 OPS. This gave him a swift promotion to Double-A Somerset. Although his batting average of .208 appears troubling, his process is sound. His impressive on-base percentage of .336 indicates that he is able to control the strike zone, knowing when to swing and when not.
This level of patience and maturity is exactly what a team wants from a rookie facing advanced pitching for the first time. And his passionate message has arrived at a critical time for the Yankees.
But while his future shines brightly, the Yankees’ immediate problems require more conventional solutions. But where’s that coming from?
Yankees’ search for stability: Other potential fixes
The Yankees’ farm system does not have any other immediate help at shortstop. Top prospect Roderick Arias is having issues at Single-A with a.192 batting average. Looking outside in the trade market, the Blue Jays’ star player, Bo Bichette, perhaps won’t be the right fit. He is -5 in terms of Defensive Runs Saved, and he is expensive as well, which would include a large-scale prospect package that may also include Lombard. Also, Willy Adames signed a 7-year deal last December, so he is off the market.
More importantly, the Yankees’ issues go deeper than just the shortstop position. The injury troubles have completely ravaged the starting rotation. Both ace Gerrit Cole and reliable starter Clarke Schmidt are gone for the season. AL Rookie of the Year Luis Gil has also been out since spring. This has left the team with an underperforming Marcus Stroman, who carries a 7.45 ERA. The lack of pitching depth is the team’s most urgent crisis.
The offense also has large issues, especially at third base. The Yankees are 23rd in the majors in defensive runs saved from that position. The primary players there, Oswaldo Cabrera and Oswald Peraza, are not living up to the billing. It is to the point that Jazz Chisholm Jr has had to play out of position, which in turn has created more defensive instability across the infield.
The Yankees need to respond quickly if they want to save their season before the trading deadline. The front office has to get a third baseman and a reliable starting pitcher. The moves made now will determine if this slump is a footnote or the final chapter of a season that promised so much.
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