RADIO
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.
More Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Pickups
Garrett Mitchell - Fantasy Baseball Prospects Waiver Wire Stashes (Week 15)
BALLER MOVE: Stash in Deeper Leagues CALL-UP ETA: Early July ANALYSIS: Garrett Mitchell is set to come off the 60-day IL today, which means he could be activated and on the Brewers roster as early as tomorrow. Milwaukee already has four outfielders who have all been seeing regular playing time, so it's possible that Mitchell could... Read More
Should I Stash James Wood In Redraft Leagues? Fantasy Baseball Prospect Outlook (Week 14)
Washington Nationals outfield prospect James Wood put the baseball world on notice during spring training and not much has changed since. The 21-year-old hit .364 with four homers, a double, a triple, and a 1.214 OPS across 44 spring at-bats, even swiping a trio of bases in the process. Such production had the fantasy community... Read More
Spencer Horwitz - Fantasy Baseball Prospects Waiver Wire Pickups (Week 15)
BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ Team Leagues ROSTERED IN: 25% of Leagues ANALYSIS: Could you use a batter that is striking out well below league average and walking well above the league rate? This player is striking out less because of his well above-average contact rate, minuscule SwStr%, and low chase rate. Need some power?... Read More
Davis Daniel - Fantasy Baseball Prospects Waiver Wire Pickups (Week 14)
BALLER MOVE: Add in 14+ Team Leagues ROSTERED IN: 2% of Leagues ANALYSIS: Once in a while, a pitcher who no one even expected to be in the major leagues goes out and throws a gem. That's exactly what happened last night as 27-year-old rookie Davis Daniel shut down the Detroit Tigers for eight innings... Read More
Deyvison De Los Santos - Fantasy Baseball Prospects Waiver Wire Stashes for Week 14 (2024)
BALLER MOVE: Stash in Deeper Leagues CALL-UP ETA: July ANALYSIS: De Los Santos has the Pacific Coast League buzzing as he's taken the league by storm since his promotion to Triple-A Reno. The 21-year-old third baseman was hitting .372 through 38 games at Arizona's Double-A affiliate Amarillo before getting promoted to Triple-A in late May. In... Read More
Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App
Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy baseball app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, sleepers, prospects & more. All free!
Check out RotoBaller's entire fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups and sleepers list, updated daily!
