George Lombard Jr. has become the prospect Yankees fans can’t agree on. Some want him protected at all costs. Others think he should be available if the right deal comes along.
The Yankees have been one of the better AL teams lately, and with key players getting healthy, expectations are rising. But here’s where it gets tricky – New York’s history with prospects isn’t exactly stellar.
Over the past decade, the Yankees held onto hyped prospects too long, only to watch them flame out when they should’ve been moved for established talent. It’s a mistake plenty of organizations make, but the Yankees seemed to get burned more than most.
Now Lombard Jr. is being labeled untouchable by many. I get why the Yankees want to protect their top prospect, but declaring any player off-limits right now seems like the wrong approach.
“New York’s system is so thin on impact position-player talent — and so comparatively deep in pitching — that I’d caution Brian Cashman against moving either of Lombard Jr. or Kilby. The former is the team’s top overall prospect, and it’s not hard to see why: He’s slick at shortstop and has answered a ton of hit-tool questions with his performance in the high minors over the last 12 months or so.”
That’s Chris Landers’ take, and it makes sense on paper. Lombard Jr. has shown real improvement with his bat while maintaining his defensive skills at short. Spencer Kilby brings an advanced approach at the plate, even if his glove isn’t quite at Lombard’s level.
But here’s the thing – if the Yankees are serious about winning a World Series, they can’t walk into the trade deadline with untouchables on the roster.
The reasoning is pretty straightforward. Quality starting pitching should be available this deadline, and there’s always the chance a game-changing bat like Yordan Alvarez could hit the market. If Alvarez becomes available, the Yankees have to put together their best possible offer.
A player like that completely changes your lineup. That’s the kind of impact you can’t replicate by holding onto prospects, no matter how promising they look.
The Yankees learned the hard way what happens when you overvalue your own prospects. Sometimes the best move is trading potential for production, especially when you’re in a World Series window.
Lombard Jr. might pan out. He’s shown real progress and has the tools to be a quality big leaguer. But if moving him gets you the piece that puts you over the top, that’s a trade you have to consider.
The Yankees can’t afford to make the same mistakes they made in previous years – holding onto prospects while championship opportunities slip away.
