According to Diamondbacks announcer Jody Jacksongeneral manager Mike Hazen stated that the 23-year-old Lawlar will get the majority of his playing time in the outfield. Hazen did note that Lawlar will see time in the infield, but that could be limited.
Lawlar was a consensus top-100 prospect from 2022 through 2025 and was originally drafted as a shortstop. He moved to third base in 2025 but struggled defensively, making four errors in 24 opportunities during his time in the Majors. Those defensive concerns may have played a role in the Diamondbacks acquiring third baseman Nolan Arenado from the Cardinals.
Jordan Lawlar is running out of chances for the Diamondbacks
Lawlar is also blocked at other positions in the infield. 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 entering 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 on lock. The same can’t be said for left and center, where the Diamondbacks are looking for answers. If Lawlar moves into the outfield soon, he could be part of the solution.
The biggest question surrounding Lawlar is whether 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.
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