With the beginning of the 2023 MLB Draft yesterday, the Yankees selected Florida Prep infielder George Lombard Jr. The Vanderbilt commit was the 26th overall in the first round. Lombard Jr, 18, could get his first stint in pro ball before the seasons end assuming he signs instead of going to college. Many expected this pick to be Sammy Stafura, a prep bat from New York, he ended up going to the Reds 43rd overall.
Lombard was probably the best player available at the Yankees pick 26 and for good reason. Lombard has a very good all around game and above average tools. There is question about where he will end up defensively long term, and with his noticeable speed improvement over over the last year, some scouts are split over where he lands between shortstop and third base. I think he will end up at third base for the long haul.
There is no question about Lombard’s offensive talent. Sporting some very good raw power could be a very good fit at third base down the road. An average exit velocity of 97 miles per hour putting him in the 99th percentile for his draft class, and that average exit velocity would be around the 90th percentile among major leaguers this season. Not to mention he’s only 18 years old, if he makes his pro debut this year, he could end up flying through through the minors if his offensive tools translate. He’s insanely talented for such a young age, partially because he is a Vanderbilt commit. I’m very excited to see what he is able to develop into given his age, he could be a name we start hearing about for a long time.
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