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In terms of on-field results, Jordan Lawlar has certainly made good on his billing as the sixth-overall pick from the 2021 MLB Draft. Still just 21 years old, Lawlar has raked his way through the minor leagues and even made his big-league debut in the 2023 season. He also managed to earn a spot on the D-backs' postseason roster during their unlikely march to the 2023 World Series.
At the same time, staying on the field has proven difficult. He required shoulder surgery after his first two professional games in 2021 before suffering a broken scapula while playing in the Arizona Fall League in 2022. A thumb injury has limited him to just four Triple-A contests in 2024 and now a hamstring issue again has him sitting on the minor-league injured list.
Let's take a look at Lawlar's fantasy potential and when he could potentially return to the big leagues.
How High Is Jordan Lawlar's Fantasy Potential?
Lawlar's fantasy potential and ceiling are nothing short of immense. He has shown advanced power for his age throughout his minor-league tenure, slugging 20 round-trippers across 105 games between Double-A and Triple-A last season. He also swiped 36 bases in the process while his sprint speed ranked in the 99th percentile during his brief 14-game stint in the big leagues a season ago.
He's back
Jordan Lawlar launches his first home run of the season pic.twitter.com/9RMhNW0w1I
— Reno Aces (@Aces) June 12, 2024
This is a massive combination of power and speed potential at the shortstop position. Lawlar also sports a highly-regarded glove that will keep him at shortstop for the long haul. The injuries have been frustrating for all involved but the fantasy ceiling is flat-out elite.
When Might Jordan Lawlar Get A Major-League Opportunity?
Lawlar's latest issue, a hamstring strain suffered on June 16, came with a four-to-six-week timeline, according to D-backs farm director Shaun Larkin. That timeline puts Lawlar out through the big-league All-Star break, and likely a little bit longer.
Diamondbacks shortstop prospect Jordan Lawlar was lifted for a pinch runner after tying tonight’s Triple-A Reno game with this two-run triple.
Lawlar appeared to be in pain after reaching third base. pic.twitter.com/HEwZJVMRPo
— Jesse Friedman (@JesseNFriedman) June 16, 2024
At the same time, it's rare to see a 21-year-old with little left to prove in the minors. It's not a huge sample but Lawlar hit .358 with five homers, three stolen bases, and a 1.050 OPS in 16 Triple-A games last season. He went 8-for-20 (.400) with two doubles and a homer in four contests with Triple-A Reno this season before again hitting the shelf.
A 20-game Triple-A sample is nothing to write home about but the vast majority of Lawlar's profile is big-league-ready, especially his speed and defense. If the youngster can come out of his latest ailment healthy and on time, he should be able to provide redraft fantasy managers with value in the season's second half.
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