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12 Days of Prospects: Day 12, Jordan Lawlar

Dominic Gutierrez / MLB / December 12, 2022

12 Days of Prospects: Day 12, Jordan Lawlar

It’s the final day of our 12 Days of Prospects series, and we end it back in Arizona. The Diamondbacks have three prospects in the top 12, including No. 12 prospect Jordan Lawlar. He’s also the Diamondbacks’ No. 3 prospect.

The Numbers

Scouting grades on 20-80 scale:

Hit: 55

Power: 55
Run: 60
Arm: 55

Field: 55
Overall: 60

The 2021 first-round draft pick has been making nice strides in the minor leagues. In 2022, Lawlar started in Rookie ball and worked his way up to Double-A. He played in 100 games combined, batting .303 with 16 home runs, 62 RBIs, and 39 stolen bases. Lawlar never played over 50 games in one affiliate this year since the Diamondbacks felt confident enough to move him up quickly. He only played 20 games in Double-A to end the season, so 2023 will most likely start in the same position.

The Potential

Lawlar, like most of these top prospects, is a five-tool player. He has parallels to Bobby Witt Jr., who was drafted two years prior. Of course, Witt Jr. is a little more mature from having a former major leaguer as a father, but Lawlar’s tools seem to be more polished.

His hitting is said to be better, with a quick, compact swing from the right side with a patient approach. His focus is hitting the gaps, especially opposite field with his 6-foot-2 build and quick bat. The power will develop with how his swing his built, Lawlar just needs to be able to turn on more pitches.

His plus speed plays extremely well not only on the field but on the bases as well. He was already close to 40 stolen bases and will definitely average those kinds of numbers. Defensively, Lawlar’s speed, quick hands, and a strong arm will keep him at shortstop.

The Verdict

The Diamondbacks’ farm system is pretty deep and their rebuild is going to end very soon. Lawlar, alongside prospects such as Corbin Carroll and Druw Jones, will be cornerstones for the franchise.

Lawlar is another five-tool shortstop who, with time, will become another superstar to play the position. The speed with quick range and a quick bat will make him a threat in every aspect of the game and will make this Diamondback team very powerful within the next two years.