How Spencer Jones, George Lombard Jr. are factoring into Yankees' future plans

As the MLB trade deadline approaches, Yankees fans are experiencing their annual mid-season existential crisis. The team seemed to be collapsing prior to the All-Star break, losing their spot atop the American League East. Then they won two straight games against the Atlanta Braves, inspiring hope that the team had somehow turned things around. But the glaring issues remain: The Bombers still need a decent third baseman, the bullpen could use help, and the starting lineup should be bolstered with another arm.

Heading into an important three-game series against the Toronto Blue Jays, the front office is surely keeping the phone lines open in case a team with a third baseman or pitcher comes calling. But attention should also be paid to outfielder Spencer Jones (currently with the Triple-A Scranton RailRiders) and infielder George Lombard Jr. (of the Double-A Somerset Patriots).

Neither appears to be an obvious solution to the Yankees’ current problems, but both have been churning out performances too spectacular to ignore. Not only do both of them deserve promotions, but they could also be utilized as trade pieces or as replacements for traded players. Whatever their futures might hold, their stocks continue to soar. Here’s why.

Spencer Jones is raking in Triple-A and George Lombard Jr. could one day help the Yankees' infield

It’s not often that a Double-A outfielder can instantly improve upon a .984 OPS after a bump up to Triple-A, but Jones has done it. After beginning 2025 with Double-A Somerset, he’s logged a 1.301 OPS in 74 plate appearances in Scranton. In Double-A, he smacked 16 balls out of the park in 175 at-bats. Post-promotion, he’s socked 10 dingers in only 67 at-bats. His batting average, as of July 20, has surpassed .400.

At 6’7”, the towering slugger invites obvious comparisons to Aaron Judge. But Jones distinguishes himself from the MVP by being a lefty with a knack for covering enough ground to be a reliable centerfielder. A switch-hitting Dominguez in left, a powerhouse lefty in center, and Judge in right: that’s a tantalizing outfield with the potential to be among the best in baseball.

The problem, of course, is that the Yankees don’t especially need an outfielder right now. Judge, Dominguez, Trent Grisham, and Cody Bellinger all deserve playing time. Unless someone (perhaps Grisham, most likely) is sent elsewhere, there’s little room for Jones on the current roster. 

A more natural fit into the Yankees’ roster would be George Lombard Jr., who practically became a household name after a stellar spring training earlier this year. With the Single-A Hudson Valley Renegades, Lombard Jr. continued the hot streak, earning himself a slash line of .329/.495/.488 for a .983 OPS in 111 plate appearances.

But, since being promoted to Double-A Somerset, Lombard Jr. has cooled a bit, dropping to an OPS of .655. Nonetheless, he’s still arguably the third or fourth best hitter in Somerset, where he's played solid defense at shortstop, third, and second. His versatility in the infield is much-needed in the Bronx, but his bat isn’t yet major league worthy.

With Jorbit Vivas currently on the MLB roster, the RailRiders could use another infielder. There may not be a rush to move Lombard Jr. to Scranton, but it’s only a matter of time before he makes the trip from Jersey.

Whatever fates befall Jones and Lombard Jr., both offer exciting possibilities for the Yankees, either as future roster members or as tempting trade pieces.