The Arizona Diamondbacks kicked off their 2021 draft efforts by selecting prep shortstop Jordan Lawlar.
Lawlar was ranked No. 1 in Baseball America’s draft rankings. MLB.com had him tabbed as the No. 3 player in this class.
The 6-foot-2, 183-pound shortstop has drawn comparisons to Derek Jeter and Carlos Correa in his style of play. Baseball America points to Lawlar’s power potential as a factor that could bring him over the top as a pro prospect:
Projecting how his power develops separates those who see him as the best prospect in the draft class from those who see him as just a top-tier draft prospect. If his power catches up to his other tools in his 20s, he could be a regular all-star. If not, his hitting ability, speed and defense still would give him a solid path to being an MLB regular with defensive value. The Vanderbilt commit also impresses with his intelligence and maturity.
This is the first time the Diamondbacks have picked in the top 10 since 2017 when they selected Pavin Smith in the first round. The franchise have tabbed shortstops before when selecting early in the draft. They drafted Vanderbilt shortstop Dansby Swanson first overall in 2015 and Justin Upton, who was originally a shortstop before converting to the outfield, in 2005. Stephen Drew was also an early shortstop selection for the Diamondbacks in 2004.
The club will select next at pick No. 42.
