Where Lawlar Fits in the Field
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – MAY 13: Jordan Lawlar #10 of the Arizona Diamondbacks plays shortstop against the San Francisco Giants in the first inning at Oracle Park on May 13, 2025 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
The obvious answer would be third base. Trading away Suarez created a natural opening at third, and with Perdomo at short, the puzzle piece fits. The only issues is Lawlar struggled defensively at third to the extent that the D-Backs have to have a pivot play in mind.
Fielding his position at third was less than ideal. Again, small sample, but he had a success rate of 70% with an estimated success rate of 79% while also making throws to first look like the most difficult task he’s ever encountered, racking up three throwing errors in only 24 chances.
With Ketel Marte’s name being floated in trade rumors, second base could be an option as well. We saw Lawlar play five games at second last season, but he also committed two errors with poor metrics.
Defense has been an issue throughout his minor-league career, albeit most of his play was at short. Although I think it is too early to drastically change his path considering how few reps he has at third and second, we did see him appear in center field in the Dominican Winter League this offseason.
I actually like this idea long-term. His athletic ability and speed would translate, on the surface, to potentially being a plus center fielder. The Diamondbacks would welcome an upgrade over Alek Thomas and Jake McCarthy, and creating that upgrade from within would be ideal.
The situation is pretty similar to what we saw with Noelvi Marte in Cincinnati. He’s a young player who struggled at third and was shifted to the outfield in hopes of maximizing his speed. Learning the angles and tracking the ball off the bat will take reps, but it is a transition players with Lawlar’s ability are able to make.