Volpe’s future in jeopardy as Yankees’ rising rookie making a strong push

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Shortstop Anthony Volpe’s Yankees role is under threat from rookie sensation George Lombard Jr., who is making waves in the minors.

An intriguing infield narrative is unfolding within the Yankees organization, one that centers on the future of the shortstop position. Anthony Volpe, once the crown jewel of New York’s farm system, now finds his long-term grip on the starting role facing subtle but mounting pressure. The source? Nineteen-year-old sensation George Lombard Jr., whose early-season performance is turning heads and accelerating discussions about the Yankees’ infield future.

Volpe hasn’t disappointed with his glove—his defensive prowess remains among the best in baseball. Yet Lombard’s surprisingly swift development in High-A ball has created a potential timeline collision between the incumbent shortstop and the organization’s rapidly ascending prospect.

As the 2025 campaign progresses, these two homegrown talents—one established in the Bronx and one climbing through the minor league ranks—appear destined for an eventual positional crossroads at baseball’s most prestigious infield spot.

Lombard Jr.’s ascent: Faster than expected

The son of former major leaguer and current Detroit Tigers bench coach George Lombard, the Yankees’ 2023 first-round selection has been nothing short of spectacular in his first full professional season. Through 19 games with Hudson Valley, Lombard is hitting .306 with an exceptional .494 on-base percentage. His stat line includes one home run, four doubles, a triple, and a stolen base, with more walks than strikeouts—a rarity for a teenage prospect.

Lombard first captured organizational attention during spring training, displaying plate discipline, defensive fluidity, and baseball IQ that seemed well beyond his years. That performance has proven no aberration; he’s carried this advanced approach into South Atlantic League competition, quickly establishing himself among the Yankees’ most promising prospects.

In a recent assessment, USA Today’s Larry Berger suggested Lombard is “on a collision course” with Volpe for the starting role, implying the current shortstop faces mounting pressure to solidify his position.

“Lombard Jr. may soon be on a collision course with Anthony Volpe… for the coveted shortstop position in New York,” Berger noted.

Volpe’s resurgence: Progress amid questions

Following an inconsistent sophomore campaign in 2024, Volpe has approached 2025 with renewed determination. Through his first 29 appearances, the 23-year-old has posted a .229/.322/.448 slash line with five homers and 18 RBIs. While these numbers might not suggest a dramatic improvement, deeper metrics reveal meaningful progress in his offensive profile.

His 122 wRC+ demonstrates he’s producing at a level 22% above league average—a substantial step forward from his performance struggles throughout much of last season when mechanical issues and extended slumps hampered his production.

Particularly encouraging is Volpe’s success against fastballs, where he’s batting a robust .351 with a .719 slugging percentage. His barrel rate sits in the 78th percentile league-wide, while his exit velocity consistently ranks in the top third of MLB hitters. However, breaking and off-speed pitches remain problematic—he’s managed just a .118 average against breaking balls and has yet to record a hit against off-speed offerings.

Despite these challenges, there are compelling reasons for the Yankees to maintain their commitment to him.

Defensive excellence buys Volpe Time

Volpe’s fielding continues to rank among the game’s elite shortstops. His .990 fielding percentage, five defensive runs saved (DRS), and two outs above average (OAA) across 252 innings provide manager Aaron Boone with premium defensive stability at a critical position.

This glove work has afforded him valuable developmental runway while his bat continues to mature. His improved plate discipline, highlighted by a 10.7% walk rate, has reinforced the organization’s belief in his offensive potential.

For now, Volpe maintains a firm hold on the position. But at High-A Hudson Valley, Lombard Jr.’s rapid development is beginning to command serious attention.

Position flexibility remains uncertain

Could either player transition to another position? The possibility exists but remains far from certain.

“We drafted him as a shortstop. I think that is probably where he stays, (but) you never know with this game,” Hudson Valley manager James Cooper told USA Today regarding Lombard. “George is a baseball player. If he had to be a catcher, he could be a catcher. If he had to be a center-fielder, he’d be a center-fielder.”

The third base presents a potential alternative—particularly given the organization’s relative weakness at the position. However, shortstop remains Lombard’s natural fit and where his defensive value would be maximized. Should his development continue at this accelerated pace, the Yankees might face pressure to create a major league pathway for him as soon as mid-2026.

Volpe’s opportunity window

Volpe has time to cement his position—though precisely how much remains unclear. With his elite defensive skills and signs of offensive growth, he could still develop into the franchise cornerstone the Yankees envisioned when they handed him the starting role in 2023.

Yet the Yankees operate with championship expectations and possess a wealth of emerging talent. Boone already navigates playing time challenges with Ben Rice, Jasson Domínguez, Trent Grisham, and Cody Bellinger. If Lombard forces consideration within the next 12-18 months, the organization’s patience for development might diminish.

In essence, Volpe’s leash isn’t immediately threatened—but it isn’t indefinite either.

The Yankees’ infield Horizon

Should both shortstops realize their potential, the Yankees could soon boast one of baseball’s most dynamic middle infield combinations. Whether that scenario involves a position adjustment or eventual trade will depend on performance trajectories, organizational needs, and health considerations.

For now, Volpe continues demonstrating Gold Glove-caliber defense alongside encouraging offensive improvements. Meanwhile, the clock ticks quietly—marking time until George Lombard Jr. advances to the next level in his promising professional journey.

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