With the 6th selection in the 2021 MLB Draft, the Arizona Diamondbacks selected Jordan Lawlar out of Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas.
The shortstop has long been viewed as a top prospect since projections began. Many experts have drawn comparisons between him and Bobby Witt Jr, a fellow shortstop selected in the first round. And while Witt was certainly more verbose coming out of high school, Lawler has all the right tools to make a big splash for a program.
His bat speed blankets the entire strike zone, but offensively his strikeout rate can teeter to the higher side. As with any high school prospect, there’s always a question of how power will develop long-term. His bat speed is consistent and fast enough that even if Lawler’s power at the plate pans out to be just average, he’ll be strong offensively.
While he stands out at the plate, his skills at shortstop are what add extra flair to his draft stock. MLB Pipeline notes that Lawler’s athleticism and instincts in the field are top tier. Inconsistencies are certainly present, but that’s to be expected of a player coming out of high school and are not of concern to be a long-time problem. Once he settles into a program and expands on his already sharp skills at the plate, he’ll be a force in years to come.
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