Lombard Jr. Tops Yankees’ 2026 Prospect List Amid Prep for 2026

MLB Pipeline keeps George Lombard Jr. as the Yankees’ No. 1 prospect for 2026, noting his Double-A progress and MLB-ready defense but not an expected MLB debut next year; Aaron Judge delivers a World Baseball Classic clubhouse speech emphasizing sacrifice; CC Sabathia’s No. 52 will be retired with a Monument Park plaque in September; The Athletic spotlights Max Fried’s mental approach to the majors; the Yankees sign Randal Grichuk to a minor-league deal to add right-handed depth, potentially platooning with Domínguez, Grisham and Bellinger.