I REALLY HOPE THE YANKEES HOLD ON TO JONES & LOMBARD

There’s a quiet excitement building beneath the surface of this Yankees season, and no, it’s not about the standings or another soul-draining press conference from the front office. It’s about something far more promising: the kids. And I mean that with all the optimism in the world. Because if you’re not already keeping tabs on Spencer Jones and George Lombard Jr., it’s time to tune in.

Let’s start with George Lombard Jr.—a name that’s going to be very familiar in the Bronx if the baseball gods (and Yankees player development staff) do the right thing. The 20-year-old infielder has been doing all the right things, first at High-A Hudson Valley, where he torched the competition. In just 24 games, he slashed .329 with a .983 OPS and swiped 11 bags like it was nothing. That kind of production doesn’t just show talent—it shows readiness.

Sure, Double-A Somerset has been more of a challenge—he’s hitting .204 there so far—but let’s not panic. That’s part of the journey. The speed is still playing (14 steals, three triples!), the tools are all there, and the kid is 20 years old. This is the kind of player who just needs reps, and thankfully, he’s getting them.

Then there’s Spencer Jones, who might just be the most underrated breakout story in the Yankees’ system this year. Yes, his prospect ranking dipped a bit in the past year—but boy, has he come roaring back in 2025. Between Double-A and Triple-A, Jones is hitting a cool .290 with 20 homers and an eye-popping 1.032 OPS. And in his first eight games at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre? He’s hitting .375 with four homers and three doubles. Those aren’t just “good” numbers—they’re electric.

What makes Jones and Lombard even more exciting, beyond the stats, is their attitude. You can tell they love the game. They’re working, growing, learning. And the Yankees are doing right by them—letting them marinate in the minors, build camaraderie, and evolve as players and teammates. That matters more than people realize.

Of course, we all want to see them in pinstripes sooner rather than later. A September call-up for either or both would be a breath of fresh air for this fanbase. Even just a glimpse would be a thrill—not because we expect them to carry us deep into October this year, but because we know they might one day. And that’s enough to keep hope alive.

So yes, while the current Yankees might be frustrating, confusing, or downright exhausting at times, there’s a silver lining. The future is working its way up through Somerset and Scranton right now. Lombard and Jones are not just names on a prospect list—they’re real-deal talents with the work ethic and upside to be major contributors. Not just someday, but maybe soon.

So let’s cheer them on. Let’s stay patient. Let’s keep hoping. Because if the Yankees play this right (and we’re all crossing fingers that they do), Spencer Jones and George Lombard Jr. could be the start of something truly special.