Jordan Lawlar - 8/2/22

Prospect spotlight on Dbacks' Jordan Lawlar

Prospect Spotlight 🔦

Jordan Lawlar, SS - Age: 20, Bats/Throws: R/R, 6' 2" / 190 - DBacks (A+)

• Born: 7/17/2002 in Carrollton, TX

• Draft: 2021, Arizona Diamondbacks, Round: 1, Overall Pick: 6

• High School: Jesuit Prep, Dallas, TX

The Diamondbacks selected Jordan Lawlar with the 6th overall pick of the 2021 draft out of Jesuit Prep High School in Dallas, Texas and gave him an above-slot bonus to convince him to turn down a commitment to Vanderbilt and go pro. After signing, Lawlar appeared in two Arizona Complex League games before injuring his shoulder and undergoing season-ending surgery. The Diamondbacks 1st round pick this season, Druw Jones, is off to an eerily similar start to his career — Jones hurt his shoulder in his first round of BP and will require surgery. After an offseason of recovery, Lawlar had a normal spring training before being assigned to Low-A Visalia to begin the 2022 season.

Lawlar got off to a strong start in Visalia, going 14 for his first 40 (.350/.460/.600) and spraying the ball all over the field. In 208 plate appearances, he slashed .351/.447/.603 (168 wRC+) with nine home runs and 24 stolen bases. Lawlar showed a patient approach at the plate, walking at an above-average rate of 13% and striking out in 23% of his plate appearances. After three months of strong play in the California League and showing the DBacks he’s too advanced for Low-A, they bumped him up to High-A Hillsboro. So far it’s been a slow start in Hillsboro for Lawlar, where after 50 plate appearances he’s hitting just .211/.224/.316 with a 25% strikeout rate and 2% walk rate. He’s been more aggressive at the plate after the promotion, swinging at more pitches and taking fewer walks. It’ll likely take some time to adjust to a new team and level, so it’s worth checking back later this month to see how Lawlar has adjusted after he’s had some time to face more advanced pitching.