Much of the talk about the top prospects in the 2021 MLB Draft has centered around the two aces from Vanderbilt, Jack Leiter and Kumar Rocker.
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However, there are plenty of other players that have a chance to be taken with the first-overall pick by the Pittsburgh Pirates, including infielder Jordan Lawlar.
Lawlar attends high school at Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas in Texas. The Vanderbilt commit has some of the loudest tools in the draft class and looks ready for the minor leagues today.
He will likely be the first or second position player taken in the draft.
Jordan Lawlar: 2021 MLB Draft Prospect
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A top draft pick's anatomy comprises five tools: contact, power, speed, fielding, and arm strength. Shortstop Jordan Lawlar has above-average potential in each of those categories.
Lawlar has been on Jesuit Prep's varsity team since he was a freshman, but he really broke out in 2020. Before the pandemic disrupted his season, he hit .485 with a home run and 13 RBI.
The shortstop has continued the torrid pace in 2021. Through May, he slashed .425/.552/.713 and has been a leader on both sides of the field. His bat speed is impressive for a hitter his age, as is his blend of speed and defense.
Scouting reports from Baseball America and MLB.com peg him as a 60-grade player on the traditional 20-80 scale. The former PG All-American will be turning 19 in July, so he's a bit older than the rest of the class, but that is just picking at nits.
Perhaps that advanced age makes him big-league ready more quickly.
🚨2021 Overall Rankings Release🚨
SS Jordan Lawlar (TX, @jcpbaseball) is the top prospect in the class. @VandyBoys recruit is a premium defender w/ real 5-tool potential.
STACKED class w/ a plethora of 1st round #MLBDraft talent.@NathanRode
👀⬇️https://t.co/O4ATRSRPAq pic.twitter.com/lgocUeJbXN
— Shooter Hunt (@ShooterHunt) August 27, 2020
This draft class is full of other high school shortstops that look ready to contribute, including Marcelo Mayer, Brady House, and Kahlil Watson. Some mock drafts think Lawlar is better than all of them. If he doesn't get selected by the Pittsburgh Pirates, the Texas Rangers are a team to watch as well.
Without a consensus of top-two prospects in this draft, don't be surprised if Lawlar falls to Detroit if someone like catcher Henry Davis goes first overall.
Odds are, Lawlar doesn't attend college and instead joins his Major League organization. As one of the best draft prospects in the game, he'll make an impact as soon as he signs.
