The 1992 MLB draft gifted the Yankees then-high schooler Derek Jeter, and the 2019 draft gave them their current starting shortstop in Anthony Volpe. Sunday, they hoped to strike oil again, drafting another shortstop out of high school in George Lumbard Jr.
With their 26th overall pick, the Yankees went with the righthanded hitter — the son of former major-league outfielder George Lombard, currently the Tigers bench coach.
Just 18, Lombard, who also plays third base and is coming out of Florida’s Gulliver Prep, has got plenty of room to grow. That said, he boasts an already 6-3 frame with plenty of raw power, according to MLB.com’s prospect rankings, and made significant strides in his senior year.
He was ranked 31st in this year’s draft class, but his versatility, power bat, pedigree, and position made him a strong fit for the Yankees.
He projects to have above-average power and arm strength, but will need to further develop his plate discipline, per his scouting report. His frame “suggests bigger power is coming,” according to perfectgame.org, which also noted his “hyper quick release and very smooth hands” at shortstop. A Vanderbilt commit, Lombard was also named to the 2022 PG All-American Classic.
At 190 pounds, it’s possible he moves to third as he fills out. Before Lombard, the Yankees had drafted only three high schoolers out of 40 players over the last two drafts.
The Yankees lost their second and fifth-round picks for exceeding the luxury tax — an after-effect of Carlos Rodon’s six-year, $162 million contract.
The 26th pick has a slot value of $3.065 million, according to MLB.com, with the Yankees’ total draft bonus pool coming out to $5,299,400, which will be divvied up among their higher-round picks. (They can spend more, but will be leveled with a hefty tax for doing so.)
Rounds three to 10 will take place Monday beginning at 2 p.m., and the draft will continue with its final 10 rounds at 2 p.m….
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