Jordan Lawlar Has Chance to Become D-backs Shortstop in 2024

The D-backs No. 1 prospect will get his first extended look and earn his way towards the everyday shortstop role

This article is part of a series counting down the Diamondbacks' Top 30 prospects entering the 2024 season. These rankings are determined by Michael McDermott, in conjunction with the Inside the Diamondbacks staff.

Summary: Jordan Lawlar was drafted by the D-backs after he dropped to the sixth overall pick of the 2021 Draft and signed to a $6.713 million bonus. In just two seasons Lawlar quickly ascended up the farm system, earning a big league cameo to close out the 2023 season. The key areas that stand out is his maturity, wise beyond his listed age, and ability to quickly make improvements in his game. His shortstop defense also took a big step forward in 2023, improving the odds he'll stick at the position long term. Like Corbin Carroll, Lawlar has the chance to prove to be a franchise building block over the next two seasons.

Rank: 1

Age: 21

Height/Weight: 6'1" 190 lbs.

Bats/Throws: Right/Right

Tools: Hit 55, Power 50, Defense 55, Run 60, Arm 50, Overall 60

ETA: Opening Day 2024

What are the D-backs saying about him?

“It’s a great experience for everybody, including Jordan. To be sitting in that dugout and watching the intensity of the moment. I’ve pinch hit for him, I’ve taken him out as for defensive replacement, it’s probably never happened to him before in his life, so I’m sure he’s trying to figure out, ‘How can I make that never happen again?’, he’s still learning very quickly.” - Manager Torey Lovullo, September 2023

2023 Recap: Lawlar began the season as one of the youngest prospects in the Texas League and got off to a good start in his first 12 games. Then a month-long slump in which he batted .110 and struck out 37 times over 98 plate appearances threatened to stall out his progress. Unsurprisingly Lawlar did not let that slump define his season, as he bounced back to put up the type of numbers you like to see from one of the game's best prospects. From May 23rd onwards, he hit .323 with 15 home runs and a wRC+ of 148 between Double-A and Triple-A to earn a big league opportunity. The D-backs ultimately brought him up when Nick Ahmed struggled offensively, but Lawlar looked overmatched. After hitting .129/.206/.129 in his first 34 major league plate appearances, he was relegated to the end of the bench during their postseason run. He was limited to only two at-bats, although he drew a walk against Will Smith that kickstarted a late rally in Game 4 of the World Series after falling behind 0-2.

2024 Expectations: Barring an exceptionally poor performance in spring, Lawlar will likely open the 2024 season on the roster. That could change if the organization acquires more infield depth, namely a right-handed hitting middle infielder, The D-backs should try to slowly phase him in more, much like they planned to do with Gabriel Moreno before an injury forced their hand, and give him more playing time as he grows more comfortable against big league pitching. In the event he  struggles in spring, they'll likely send him down to Reno for a quick tune-up and correct some flaws before another big league opportunity. Lawlar should be close to the everyday shortstop by the end of the season if things go well, with incumbent Geraldo Perdomo moving to a high-usage utility role.

Projection: Lawlar is the D-backs long term solution at the shortstop position, showing the range, actions, and hands necessary to stick at the position. In his early cameo the  returns on his defense were slightly better than anticipated and he'll almost certainly perform better than his first 34 PA.  While he might not be in the Gold Glove conversation, his all-around value projects as a .260 or better hitter with 20 home run and 30 stolen base upside at the plate while being an above-average defender at the position. He won't be a perennial All-Star but could land on a couple teams in his time with Arizona. Depending on what he shows in 2024, he's a candidate for a long term extension like Carroll.

Top 30 Diamondbacks Prospects Entering the 2024 Season