The Arizona Diamondbacks’ top prospect Jordan Lawlar has long been touted as a future franchise cornerstone. After a rough major league debut in 2023 — a 14-game cup of coffee that ended with a .129/.206/.129 slash line — Lawlar’s path hit another speed bump in 2024. Thumb and hamstring injuries limited him to just 23 games across three levels.
But now, healthy and fully recharged, the 22-year-old shortstop is showing exactly why he’s still one of the most hyped names in minor league baseball. Playing for Triple-A Reno, Lawlar was named Pacific Coast League Player of the Month after a huge offensive performance that resembled a video game stat line. He slashed .408/.487/.748 across the month, leading the league in average (.408), runs scored (31), hits (42), RBIs (30), total bases (77), slugging (.748), and OPS (1.235). He also ranked second in doubles (13), triples (2), and OBP (.487), while swiping 10 bags.
Jordan Lawlar is on fire — so when will the Diamondbacks give him another shot?
The toolset that made Lawlar the sixth overall pick in the 2021 MLB draft is shining through in full. Elite speed, legitimate power, defensive versatility, and a maturing plate approach. He’s capable of racking up 30+ steals per season, and his improved consistency at shortstop has come from better footwork, more controlled actions, and a stronger throwing arm.
But that’s where the plot thickens. The Diamondbacks have begun working him at second and third base to expand his potential avenues to the majors in 2025. Despite Lawlar's jaw-dropping performance, there's currently no clear path to plug him into the Diamondbacks' infield. Geraldo Perdomo has tightened his grip on the starting shortstop job with a breakout start to the season. Second base belongs to Ketel Marte and third base is occupied by Eugenio Suárez, and while his name may circulate in trade conversations later this summer, he’s not going anywhere just yet.
So where does that leave him? Unless the D-backs experiment again with Marte in center field — something they’ve done in the past when juggling infield depth — there’s no clean entry point. That spot is also currently held by Alek Thomas, who's off to a strong start himself, slashing .295/.333/.744 with 13 RBIs and three stolen bases over 29 games.
Despite Lawlar setting Triple-A ablaze, he’ll remain stuck in a bit of a waiting game. In all likelihood, fans may not see him back in a D-backs uniform until after the trade deadline — and even then, it may take an injury or roster shakeup to make room. As frustrating as that might be for fans eager to see the future now, Arizona’s long-term view is clear. They intend to let Lawlar keep raking, keep learning multiple positions, and be ready to strike when the timing allows for a full and meaningful major league audition.