George Lombard Jr.’s Card Market Heats Up Following Endorsement from Aaron Judge

The buzz surrounding New York Yankees prospect George Lombard Jr. is growing rapidly, and the trading card market is reflecting that excitement. The 19-year-old shortstop has already impressed scouts and collectors, but now he’s earned the backing of Yankees captain Aaron Judge. As Lombard Jr.’s stock rises on the field, his Bowman Chrome 1st cards are experiencing a surge in demand, with recent high-dollar sales showcasing his increasing value among investors.

Aaron Judge’s Praise Boosts the Hype​

When a young prospect receives public praise from a franchise superstar like Aaron Judge, the entire baseball world takes notice. Speaking about Lombard Jr., Judge had nothing but admiration:

"He’s a great kid. He’s a hard worker who goes and does his thing. He doesn’t say much. He shows up and does what he needs to do. And the power he’s already showing, he’s gonna be something special.”

Judge’s endorsement only adds to the growing belief that Lombard Jr. could be a key part of the Yankees’ future. Given that he’s set to develop within one of baseball’s most iconic franchises, his cards have become an enticing prospect for hobby investors.

Lombard Jr.’s Prospect Profile & Spring Training Performance​

Currently ranked as the No. 2 prospect in the Yankees farm system, just behind Jasson Dominguez, Lombard Jr. has been praised for his well-rounded skill set and high baseball IQ.

MLB.com’s scouting report grades him as follows:

• Hit: 50
• Power: 50
• Run: 55
• Arm: 55
• Field: 60
• Overall: 50

Though he’s not yet listed on MLB Pipeline’s Top 100 Prospects, his potential is clear. Scouts highlight his smooth right-handed swing, ability to recognize pitches, and strong defensive capabilities as signs of long-term success.

Lombard Jr. is also backing up the hype with strong Spring Training numbers, slashing .333/.412/1.145 with two home runs and four RBIs in just 15 at-bats. His early success is fueling speculation that he could climb through the Yankees’ system quickly, further driving collector interest.

Lombard Jr.’s Cards See Rapid Value Increases​

Collectors and investors have wasted no time snapping up Lombard Jr.'s key rookie cards, and prices have surged in just a few months.

According to Card Ladder, since March 2, multiple four-figure sales have been recorded for 2024 Bowman Chrome 1st cards:

• Gold Refractor Auto /50 (PSA 9) – Sold for $999 on March 4, up from $300 in December.
• Gold Refractor Auto /50 Sapphire – Fetched $1,500 in a recent sale.
• PSA 10 /99 – Sold for $545 on March 6.
• Orange Refractor Auto /25 – Sold for $750.

A search of Card Ladder’s database over the past two weeks reveals that 1,950 Lombard Jr. cards have been sold, spanning various price points. More than 200 Bowman Chrome cards have sold for $100 or more, a 100% increase from the number of similar sales between January and mid-February.

How High Can Lombard Jr.’s Cards Go?​

The demand for Lombard Jr.’s cards has reached new heights, but the question remains: where is the ceiling?

Sellers are already pushing the limits of the market. On eBay, a 2024 Bowman Chrome Auto /5 is currently listed at $8,999, testing just how much collectors are willing to invest in the rising Yankees star.

With Aaron Judge’s seal of approval, a promising Spring Training, and the prestige of being a New York Yankees prospect, George Lombard Jr. is quickly becoming a hot name in the hobby. If he continues to develop at this pace, his cards could become some of the most valuable prospect investments of the season.