Jordan Lawlar
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| Photo by MiLB.com |
Age: 20
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 190 lbs.
Bats/Throws: Right/Right
Hometown: Carrollton, Texas
Draft Profile: 1st round, 6th pick of the 2021 draft by Arizona
Drafted Out of: Jesuit Prep HS (Dallas, TX)
Career Stat Line: .319 AVG .416 OBP 13 HR 55 RBI 38 SB 0.904 Fielding %
It's been a fun ride here on the Chopping Lines Minor League Spotlight, but with the minor league season coming to an end soon and NFL football right around the corner, this'll be our last one of 2022. Fortunately it falls on an awesome prospect, shortstop Jordan Lawlar of the Arizona Diamondbacks organization.
Growing up in a single parent home, it was clear Lawlar was a special person from an early age. Raised by his mother Hope to be respectful, hardworking and a good sport, there isn't a bad bit of gossip in any circle about the young Texas product. “This guy is pure, genuine, down-to-earth, humble,” high school coach Brian Jones said. “He’s all the good positive adjectives that you would throw out there on a quality person, much less one of the best athletes you’ll come across." (Texasmonthly)
During his time at Jesuit Prep, the high character Jordan possessed was constantly on display for MLB scouts--meticulously breaking down every aspect of his game from how he warmed up, interacted with his teammates and coaches, overcame adversity and everything else in between. While these pundits were happy to report on his professionalism and punctuality, the real meat of these trips came from the prep baller's performance on the field.
The four year varsity standout started all 72 games he played for the Jesuit Rangers. The 2021 6A MVP committed to Vanderbilt in the fall of his senior year, before concluding his high school career slashing a cumulative line of .423/12/77 with an improving fielding percentage each year (Jesuitrangers.org). At a 6'2" and just under 200 lbs., the kid was a projected star.
Major League Baseball front offices and analysts agreed with this sentiment, with some predicting the 38th ranked Texas high schooler to go #1 overall. Once draft night rolled around though, Lawlar did slip a little bit from that projection, ending up as the sixth overall pick to the Diamondbacks. Given his immense upside and Vanderbilt commitment, Arizona knew it would take a substantial bonus to keep their top pick. The two sides agreed on $6.7 million being the magic number (MLB.com), the contract was signed, and the 19 year old was off to rookie league.
Unfortunately, the #6 pick was only able to last two games in rookie ball before tearing his posterior labrum in his non-throwing shoulder, which required surgery. He went 2/5 with an RBI and stolen base in those appearances, a very brief flash of his potential.
Once the shoulder was all healed up post-surgery, Arizona's second ranked prospect was back to work in rookie league on a rehab assignment. After posting an OBP of .500 in six games, the Diamondbacks' brass knew it was time and promoted Lawlar. It would be the first of three promotions the shortstop would receive during the 2022 season, ascending all the way from rookie ball to AA Amarillo.
In his seven games at Amarillo, MLB's 13th ranked prospect is hitting .212 and just hit his first AA home run last night. He'll look to finish the year strong and healthy as he continues to work toward the big leagues. We expect to see Jordan Lawlar in Arizona by this time next season!
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@Choppinglines
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