Diamondbacks prospect Jordan Lawlar changing positions again

Arizona Diamondbacks prospect Jordan Lawlar is on the move again.

According to Diamondbacks host Jody Jackson, general manager Mike Hazen stated that Lawlar, 23, will get the majority of his playing time in the outfield. Hazen did note that Lawlar will see time in the infield, but that may be limited.

A consensus top-100 prospect from 2022 through 2025, Lawlar was originally drafted as a shortstop. He shifted to third base in 2025, but struggled defensively, making four errors in 24 chances during his time in the majors. Those defensive concerns may have played a part in the Diamondbacks acquiring third baseman Nolan Arenado from the Cardinals.

Jordan Lawlar is running out of opportunities for the Diamondbacks

Lawlar is blocked at other positions around the infield as well. Ketel Marte is entrenched at second base and has five years left on his six-year, $116 million extension. Shortstop Geraldo Perdomo had a breakout season in 2025 and is starting a four-year, $45 million extension. Barring injury, Lawlar would be stuck as a utility player if he remained strictly an infielder.

However, there are opportunities in the outfield. Corbin Carroll has developed into a star and has right field locked up. The same cannot be said about left and center, where the Diamondbacks are looking for answers. If Lawlar quickly takes to the outfield, he could be part of the solution.

The biggest question surrounding Lawlar is whether or not he can hit enough to warrant a starting role. He has yet to prove he can handle major league pitching as he has produced a .165/.241/.237 batting line in his 108 plate appearances, hitting seven doubles while striking out 37 times. If Lawlar continues to struggle offensively, his defensive home will be a moot point.