Diamondbacks keep making Jordan Lawlar changes in hopes of unlocking top prospect

The Arizona Diamondbacks have done everything they can to try and create opportunities for top prospect Jordan Lawlar.

Things haven't come together yet for the former Toronto Blue Jays farmhand, but they're still trying.

This season, that means a position change: Lawlar's best chance to play is in the outfield, so after already being moved all over the infield, he's now getting work in centerfield.

There's still plenty of reason to believe in Lawlar. The Diamondbacks just have to hope all their bouncing him around doesn't have a negative impact.

"Lawlar cracked this list last year," writes ESPN's Alden Gonzalez of his picking a player from each team to watch in the spring, "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. Lawlar, mostly a shortstop since being drafted sixth overall out of high school in 2021, spent the offseason learning center field in winter ball."

MORE: How Jose Ramirez is on pace to become Cleveland's Derek Jeter

The Diamondbacks likely would've hoped Lawlar would break out by now, but he still has lots of time. He just needs a real, legitimate opportunity, without the risk of being sent down or benched immediately if he struggles.

"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," Gonzalez writes. "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."

MORE: Luis Arraez is MLB's perfect misfit in 2026

It seems like Lawlar, a versatile infielder with athleticism, would be able to figure out the outfield. Not everyone in his spot does, but some do.

And if he makes that work, maybe he finally gets the runway he needs to get his bat going and make a real impact.

More MLB news:

• Team USA has a finalized WBC roster and an awesome lineup
• Dominican Republic WBC roster is loaded with stars
• How Trent Grisham's decision ruined the Yankees' offseason plans
• Buster Posey will change Hall of Fame voting forever
• This Cubs replacement plan for Kyle Tucker looks smart
• Injury insurance is changing the World Baseball Classic