Pittsburgh Pirates Draft: Jack Leiter vs Jordan Lawlar

Jordan Lawlar

Lawlaer is a shortstop by trade at Dallas Jesuit High School in Dallas, Texas. Lawlar is seen as a middle infielder with five-tool potential. Among his five tools, MLB Pipeline grades his worst at a 55, that being his power and fielding ability. However, his hit, run and arm tool are all considered 60-grade tools.

According to MLB Pipeline, Lawlar is drawing comparisons to 2019 second overall pick Bobby Witt Jr. However, he’s been called a more polished hitter at the same age with better patience at the plate. Lawlar has been praised for his outstanding bat speed, something the Pittsburgh Pirates like to see in their players. Not only does he have a quick swing, but he has a compact swing. Perfect Game also says his swing is repeatable, so his mechanics are pretty fine-tuned at a young age.

As a fielder, he definitely can stick at shortstop. He’s considered a plus defender with range and a strong arm. Power-wise, he’s far from reaching his max power potential, despite already showing flashes of it in high school.

Lawlar has a very projectable 6’2″ frame and currently weighs 185 pounds. He is currently the same height as Byron Buxton was when he was drafted. There’s a lot of room for him to fill out and reach that huge power potential. Currently, he’s just 18-years-old and turns 19th on the first day of July.

Lawlar is committed to Vanderbilt. Like with any high school prospect, the Pittsburgh Pirates would be taking a risk in picking Lawlar as he could opt to go to college instead. That said, the odds of a pick as highly touted as Lawlar choosing to go to college over signing with a MLB club are slim.

High school prospects are also very raw talents. He’ll only be 19 by the end of the 2021 season. In comparison, the Pirates’ first-round pick in 2020, Nick Gonzales, will be 22 by the end of the 2021 season.