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Yankees' Surprising Shortstop Solution is Gaining Momentum
Yankees' Surprising Shortstop Solution is Gaining Momentum
The New York Yankees have long had an issue at shortstop, and the only clear answer they have is that their long-term answer is probably not on their current roster.
Anthony Volpe's struggles have continued in 2026, as he owns a .672 OPS over 157 plate appearances. His walk rate is up, which has led to a very solid .344 OBP, but he isn't doing much else offensively.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementAnd for as much as Yankees fans seem to like Jose Caballero, he should not be the team's starting shortstop of the future. He is most valuable in a super-utility role where he can play a variety of positions.
The uncertainty at short has led New York fans to pontificate about a potential CJ Abrams trade, but the chances of the Washington Nationals actually moving him are slim, and while Abrams' bat would be a major upgrade, he is also one of the worst defensive players in all of baseball.
But could the Yankees ultimately make a switch at shortstop sometime this year?
I am of the opinion that New York will make it through the season with Volpe and Caballero manning the position and then re-evaluate over the winter, but more and more momentum seems to be building toward top prospect George Lombard Jr. getting a call up at some point this summer.
Joel Sherman of The New York Post predicted earlier this season that Lombard would be up by August, and now, Alexander Wilson of Empire Sports Media feels the Yankees might give Lombard a look.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementNow, it should be noted that Lombard has been sidelined since mid-June due to sprained fingers, so that definitely makes an early August big-league debut almost impossible. But could he get promoted later on in the campaign?
Lombard began 2026 in Double-A and slashed .312/.400/.571 with four home runs and 10 RBI across 90 trips to the dish before being elevated to Triple-A. He hasn't been as productive at Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, slashing .231/.381/.385 with four homers and 15 RBI through 197 plate appearances, but he was coming on strong before the injury.
In fact, the 21-year-old boasted a .998 OPS over his last 14 games prior.
Lombard is the top-ranked prospect in the Yankees' system and is one of the very top infield prospects in all of baseball, so he is one of New York's prized possessions.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementWould the Yanks really rush him up the majors during the second half of a pennant race? It seems highly unlikely. At least in my estimation.
Even if Lombard returns and goes on an absolute tear, it's just very difficult to envision the typically conservative Yankees promoting him to The Show.
I do think that Lombard has an outstanding chance of becoming New York's starting shortstop in 2027, and it wouldn't shock me in the slightest if he wins the job out of Spring Training.
But right now? In 2026? I just don't see it happening, even if some are calling for it.
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