Diamondbacks rookie Jordan Lawlar is playing winter ball in the Dominican Republic this season. He made his first appearance for the Tigres del Licey in an unfamiliar position: midfield. It is the first professional outfield experience for Lawlar, whose minor league and MLB work is split between second, third and shortstop.
Steve Gilbert of MLB.com wrote earlier this month that the D-Backs wanted Lawlar to get center field work in addition to his usual outfield responsibilities. The Diamondbacks have not yet made a decision on a position change, but it is appropriate for them to take a look at him in the outfield for a number of reasons.
Lawlar’s defense was a major issue late this year. The Diamondbacks finally opened up daily playing time for him at third base with the Eugenio Suarez deadline agreement. Lawlar spent a few weeks on the minor league injured list but was recalled in late August. His third base audition didn’t last long. Lawlar committed four errors in 76 innings, two apiece on September 7 and 14. Three of these were of the throwing type. One of Lawlar’s errant throws led to a collision at first base, resulting in an injury Tyler Locklearwho required surgeries on both his shoulder and elbow.
Scouting reports on Lawlar have generally praised his defensive ability. He was called up as a shortstop and only moved to third base out of respect Geraldo Perdomo. It’s possible this year’s issues were a glitch that will be corrected with a mechanical adjustment or simply a mental reset this offseason. However, the D-Backs didn’t want him on the field as they hunted for a Wild Card berth. Manager Torey Lovullo kept Lawlar at DH or as a pinch-hitter after his September 14 game. Blow Alexander played third base until the final game of the season – after the Snakes were eliminated from contention.
The third base runway should be open in 2026. Alexander is a solid defender, but doesn’t have a big advantage. He’s better suited for a utility role. Lawlar, a career .298/.395/.515 hitter in the minors, has a higher ceiling. That wouldn’t matter much if the Diamondbacks don’t trust him defensively. They’re not going to have him doing full-time DH work at 23, but they probably wouldn’t be thrilled to give him the third base job out of camp. He still has an option left, but they won’t learn much by sending him back to Triple-A Reno and letting him feast on Pacific Coast League pitching for another season.
John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports 98.7 FM writes that the D-Backs are not inclined to play Lawlar at second base. Kettle Marte could benefit from a few more DH at-bats, but remains the primary second baseman. The two outfield spots to the left of Corbin Caroll could be there for the taking.
Midfielder Alex Thomas is a .234/.277/.362 hitter in nearly 1,400 career plate appearances. The Diamondbacks will ultimately need offense from that spot. Left field is in worse shape. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. tore his ACL in September. Jake McCarthy is coming off a .204/.247/.345 season. Expectation Ryan Waldschmidt may already be their best in-house option, and he hasn’t played a game above Double-A yet.
McCarthy could go undrafted, while Thomas is a potential change of scenery candidate. If Lawlar moves into center field during winter ball, the Diamondbacks could feel a little more comfortable entertaining Thomas trade talks. Lawlar himself could also be a trade chip, as he could get a controllable starting pitcher in return. The Diamondbacks need at least one outfielder via free agency or trade, making this an interesting offseason storyline in the desert.
#Jordan #Lawlar #takes #center #field #reps #winter #ball