In the midst of a tight race for a NL Wild Card spot, the Arizona Diamondbacks are set to call up one of the best prospect prospects in the game. Infielder Jordan Lawlar will join the D-Backs ahead of the stretch run, but what can baseball fans expect from the young infielder? Here’s a look at what Lawlar’s been up to in the Minors..
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A Look at Lawlar
The Diamondbacks selected shortstop Jordan Lawlar with the sixth overall pick in the 2021 MLB Draft. A Texas prep product, scouts raved about Lawlar’s tools, as public scouting reports indicated that the now 21-year-old could be a five-tool player.
Thus far, he’s not given baseball fans any reason to doubt those projections.
Lawlar hit .300/.401/.509 with 16 home runs, 39 stolen bases, and 41 extra base hits in 100 games last season across four levels. The 21-year-old started in Amarillo (AA) this season, but did struggle in the first two months.
However, he really turned in on once June came and eventually moved up to Reno (AAA) in mid-August. His time there was short, as he hit .358/.438/.612 with five home runs and 19 RBI over 16 games.
Lawlar’s got plenty of loft and power in his swing, which should help him get to at least 20 home runs on an annual basis.
As far as hit contact skills are concerned, Lawlar showcased a knack for putting ball on bat in the Minors, particularly in Reno. He also walked a fair amount of the Minor Leagues, all positive signs for him to produce at least healthy batting averages in the MLB.
Defensively, Lawlar saw the vast majority of his time at short. He did recently get one game at third in Reno, a move that prompted speculation that Lawlar could be on his way to Arizona.
After a torrid run in Reno, Lawlar is set to join a Diamondbacks lineup that includes plenty of young talent, as well as two power-hitting infielders in Ketel Marte and Christian Walker.
In a corresponding move, the Diamondbacks designed shortstop Nick Ahmed, who was in the last year deal of a four-year contract he signed in the offseason of 2019, for assignment.
What it Means for the Diamondbacks and Fantasy Outlook
Last season, the Diamondbacks gave Corbin Carroll his first taste of the Majors over the final month. He did not disappoint in what was a preview of what was to come for the young outfielder.
Now, Lawlar gets his first crack at the MLB level — but under very different circumstances. Lawlar now gets the chance to play on a team looking to make the postseason, and in need of some punch on the left side of the infield.
Arizona’s received decent numbers from Geraldo Perdomo and an above-average OPS+ from Evan Longoria .On the other hand, the aforementioned Ahmed hit just .212 and posted a .560 OPS over 72 games and saw most of his action against lefties. However, he hit just .155 in 122 PA against pitchers from the opposite side. 3B Emmanuel Rivera also posted subpar numbers in 2023.
While the young infielder does have experience at third, Lawlar is set to take over the reigns at shortstop against lefties per Torey Lovullo. Lovullo did say, however, on September 6 that he didn’t have a real chance to sit down and think about the exact “menu” Lawlar will have.
“He’ll be the starting shortstop. And then I just want to inject him into the lineup when I can for the right matchup in the right situation.” – Torey Lovullo
MLB.com
As far as his fantasy outlook is concerned, Lawlar’s got the power and speed to be an impact player. For those in need of an infielder, his bat appears to be ready.
