First off, here’s what I said when he was called up this year, “Was listening to Fleetwood Mac’s Everywhere (Remastered) when I saw the news that Jordan Lawlar was being promoted, and the wind chimes playing in the background were perfectly timed as I spun out, arms outstretched, seeing stars because my equilibrium isn’t that good. Then Little Lies by Fleetwood Mac starting playing and all I heard was, “Tell me lies, tell me lies, tell me sweet little young player guys,” and now I don’t know what the Mac is trying to tell me. Do not confuse me, Mac! So, Itch just said yesterday, ‘I get asked a bit about Jordan Lawlar, and I don’t know why he’s not in the DBacks’ lineup tonight. I see Royce Lewis running circles around major league pitchers and wonder if the Snakes don’t taste on the air a flicker of the same potential for an autumn outburst from Lawlar. They’re still in the playoff race. Lawlar has been great since he got to Triple-A and has eleven hits in his last four games, including two home runs on Tuesday night. He’s great and Grey stinks.” What? C’mon! This year Lawlar went 20/36 in the minors, and had a .358 average in Triple-A. He could be the top prospect off boards next year. Grab him in all leagues. Even if Jordan Lawlar isn’t worthwhile this year — and he should be! — this gives us an indication that he should be starting next year with the Dbags, which is great news in itself. Tell me lies, tell me lies sweet little young player guys!” And that’s me quoting me and quoting Itch! Going back to what I said in my very first rookie outlook post — Wyatt Langford fantasy outlook, are you seeing a theme here? If not, I’ll give you a hint: All of these 2024 fantasy baseball rookies could be the top rookie. Enter: Jordan Lawlar, who could be the top rookie too. We haven’t even covered Yamamoto yet, either. (Honestly, the first ten rookies I go over in this fantasy baseball rookie outlook series could be the top rookie.) So, what can we expect from Jordan Lawlar for 2024 fantasy baseball?
Jordan Lawlar was the 3rd best fantasy baseball prospect in Itch’s midseason top 25 fantasy baseball prospect ranking. Unlike Evan Carter, Jordan Lawlar didn’t start in the postseason, even if he was on the roster. That’s not everything, clearly, but, guys and five lady readers, I would’ve loved to see them commit to him over Geraldo Perdomo in the playoffs. Would I have done that? El oh no. I wouldn’t have, but I would’ve loved for them to do it! I only mention this because I’m not sure what this says about their commitment to starting him in 2024. Remember, this is for redraft leagues, and my first priority is everyday at-bats. Lawlar could go 20/40 in everyday at-bats is very fun to say. If he won’t be playing every day, it takes all the helium out of that, and while the helium is escaping the balloon makes farting noises. Welp, let’s dream for a moment:
Jordan Lawlar legs out an infield single for his first big league hit!
MLB’s No. 10 overall prospect put his 60-grade speed on display for the @Dbacks. pic.twitter.com/UfF7dbAL8b
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) September 8, 2023
A guy beats out a single like that when the ball isn’t even clearly misplayed? Zoinks! That’s a sexy! Here’s another:
Jordan Lawlar DEMOLISHES his third Triple-A @Aces homer ?
A 454 ft moonshot ups MLB’s No. 10 prospect’s (@Dbacks) slash line to .294/.397/.510 since his promotion: pic.twitter.com/cQbKPf04kA
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) September 1, 2023
I’m sorry, but that’s gorgeous. The fielders not only didn’t move, but they stopped to gawk. When you’re turning opposing hitters into home run gawkers and you can beat out routine grounders to 3rd? You’re going to be a superstar. Lawlar is going to struggle to hit for some average, but, with a high BABIP, due to his speed, he should be able to maintain a .240 average with power and speed. Not to mention, it should come with a solid walk rate for those in OBP leagues. But back to playing time? I don’t know. Perdomo’s, honestly, not that bad. If the DBacks do continue to go with Perdomo, then sad trombone. If the DBacks decide to move on from Perdomo? Then Lawlar’s going to zoom up draft boards. I’m not super optimistic for 2024, but here’s some exciting news: We’re moving onto fantasy sleepers next! For 2024 fantasy, I’ll give Jordan Lawlar projections of 41/8/33/.244/18 in 321 ABs with a chance for more.
