Diamondbacks Shift Top Prospect Lawlar to Outfield

Arizona hopes position change can unlock potential of former 1st-round pick

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The Arizona Diamondbacks are trying a new approach with top prospect Jordan Lawlar, moving the former shortstop to center field in hopes of creating more opportunities for the 23-year-old to contribute at the major league level. Lawlar, a 2021 first-round draft pick, has struggled to produce and stay healthy in his limited MLB action so far, prompting the team to try him in the outfield after previously moving him around the infield.

Why it matters

The Diamondbacks are still high on Lawlar's long-term potential, but need to find a way to get him consistent playing time at the big-league level. With the team's infield positions largely settled, the outfield represents Lawlar's best path to an everyday role, though the position change adds another variable in his development.

The details

After being drafted 6th overall in 2021, Lawlar has played mostly shortstop in the minors but has also seen time at second base and third base. This offseason, the Diamondbacks had Lawlar work on playing center field in winter ball, hoping the added athleticism and versatility will help him break into the MLB lineup. The team believes Lawlar has the tools to handle the position, but acknowledges the transition will take time and patience as he adjusts.

  • Lawlar was drafted by the Diamondbacks in the 1st round (6th overall) in 2021.
  • In 2022, Lawlar played in only 28 major league games, posting a .545 OPS.
  • This offseason, Lawlar spent time working on playing center field in winter ball.

The players

Jordan Lawlar

A 23-year-old top prospect in the Diamondbacks' system, Lawlar was a 1st-round draft pick in 2021 who has struggled to produce and stay healthy in limited MLB action so far.

Ketel Marte

The Diamondbacks' starting second baseman, Marte's presence in the infield has limited Lawlar's path to regular playing time.

Geraldo Perdomo

The Diamondbacks' starting shortstop, Perdomo's long-term contract has further crowded the infield and pushed Lawlar to the outfield.

Nolan Arenado

The veteran third baseman was recently added to the Diamondbacks' roster, further solidifying the infield and creating more opportunities for Lawlar in the outfield.

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What they’re saying

“Lawlar cracked this list last year, then went on to play in only 28 major league games while producing a .545 OPS. But he very much remains a player to watch. Lawlar has struggled to produce and stay healthy but is still only 23 years old and is once again trying out a new position.”

— Alden Gonzalez, ESPN writer (ESPN)

“With Ketel Marte staying put, Geraldo Perdomo locked up long term and Nolan Arenado added to the mix, the outfield is now his only path to real playing time. But if he can prove himself capable, he would solve the club's massive need for a capable right-handed-hitting outfielder. Lawler will get his chance, now more than ever.”

— Alden Gonzalez, ESPN writer (ESPN)

What’s next

The Diamondbacks will closely monitor Lawlar's progress as he transitions to center field during spring training and the early part of the season. If he can prove himself capable in the outfield, he could earn a regular role and the opportunity to showcase his offensive potential at the major league level.

The takeaway

The Diamondbacks' decision to shift their top prospect Jordan Lawlar to the outfield highlights the team's commitment to finding creative ways to get their young talent on the field, even if it means moving them out of their natural positions. While the position change adds another variable to Lawlar's development, the team is hopeful that the added versatility will unlock his potential and provide a path to regular playing time at the MLB level.