Spencer Jones could take over center field and George Lombard Jr. is projected to start at shortstop as the Yankees look for their young players to build on their first major league seasons in 2027.
Jones is the leading in-house option in center with Trent Grisham entering free agency, while Lombard is positioned for a larger role after his August promotion, MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch reported.
Jones makes his case in the outfield
Jones, 25, debuted in May and played 86 games over four major league stints. He became a regular second-half presence while Aaron Judge recovered from a fractured right rib.
The left-handed hitter batted .245 with a .313 on-base percentage and a .429 slugging percentage. He had 13 doubles, a triple, 11 home runs and 40 RBIs, and stole 10 bases in 13 attempts.
Jones hit .389 against left-handed pitching, going 21-for-54. He credited work in the batting cages, meetings and conversations with other Yankees hitters for helping refine his approach.
His defense remains part of the evaluation. MLB.com noted that Jones was credited with minus-four defensive runs saved in center field. A move into that position would allow Cody Bellinger to remain in left with Judge in right, but the report describes an offseason projection rather than a finalized lineup.
Lombard looks to build on a first taste of the majors
Lombard, 21, homered in his Aug. 4 debut after being promoted following the trade deadline. The 2023 first-round draft pick hit .237 with a .285 on-base percentage and a .414 slugging percentage in 42 games, adding seven home runs and 22 RBIs.
He also had four doubles and a triple. His adjustment included a stretch of errors in six consecutive games, although his defense had stabilized by late September, according to the report.
Judge said experiencing the postseason and playing alongside established teammates should help both rookies develop.
Youth and athleticism remain priorities
Manager Aaron Boone pointed to the athleticism of World Series participants Milwaukee and Tampa Bay while discussing an area the Yankees have tried to improve in recent years.
Managing general partner Hal Steinbrenner said the club was encouraged by its young contributors and had refused to part with top prospects in deadline deals that brought in Luis García Jr. and Heliot Ramos.
Austin Wells, Anthony Volpe and Will Warren are among the other under-30 Yankees draft picks on the roster. Right-hander Carlos Lagrange could eventually join that group after an injury delayed his progress toward a possible second-half bullpen role this season.
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