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Lawlar to Center Field: Diamondbacks Make Surprising Move

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, February 25th 2026 at 9:18 GMT by Heavy.com
      Locales: Arizona, Illinois, UNITED STATES

Phoenix, AZ - February 25th, 2026 - In a move that has sent ripples through the Arizona Diamondbacks' fanbase and across Major League Baseball, manager Torey Lovullo announced today that top prospect Jordan Lawlar will be starting the 2026 season in center field, a departure from initial expectations of him taking over at shortstop. The decision, while surprising, stems from a confluence of factors - a key injury to perennial All-Star Corbin Carroll, a prolonged search for stability at center field, and a keen assessment of Lawlar's versatile skillset.

For months, baseball analysts and D-backs fans alike anticipated Lawlar's arrival in the majors as the heir apparent to Ketel Marte at shortstop. Drafted with high expectations, Lawlar has consistently demonstrated impressive offensive and defensive capabilities throughout his minor league career. His athleticism, strong arm, and quick reflexes were seen as a perfect fit for the demanding position. However, a freak spring training injury to Corbin Carroll, sidelining the reigning Gold Glove and Silver Slugger award winner for at least the first two months of the season, dramatically altered the Diamondbacks' plans.

Carroll's absence exposed a significant void in the Diamondbacks' outfield. While the team had explored various short-term solutions, none provided a long-term answer. The revolving door at center field in recent seasons has been a consistent source of frustration for Lovullo, hindering the team's defensive consistency and offensive production. Daulton Varsho, despite showing flashes of potential, was traded away in 2024. Attempts to fill the position with veteran free agents proved unsuccessful, with players either declining rapidly or failing to integrate into the team's dynamic.

The decision to move Lawlar to center field isn't viewed as a permanent positional change, but rather a strategic adaptation to the current circumstances. Lovullo emphasized that the team continues to see Lawlar's long-term future potentially at shortstop, but that prioritizing the immediate need for a reliable center fielder and maximizing Lawlar's overall value to the team is paramount. "Jordan is a gifted athlete," Lovullo stated during a press conference earlier today. "He has the range, the arm, and the instincts to excel in center field. It allows us to get his bat in the lineup right away while addressing a critical need on our roster."

However, this shift inevitably raises questions about the future of shortstop for the Diamondbacks. Veteran utility player Josh Rojas, who has filled in admirably at multiple positions, is currently the frontrunner to handle shortstop duties during Carroll's recovery. The team will likely monitor Rojas' performance closely and explore potential free agent or trade options during the mid-season to ensure a stable long-term solution at the position. There's speculation the Diamondbacks might target a free agent like Wander Franco (assuming his legal issues are resolved) or explore a trade with a team looking to offload a proven shortstop.

The transition for Lawlar won't be seamless. While possessing the raw athleticism, mastering the nuances of center field - the longer routes, the need for precise reads on fly balls, and the communication with corner outfielders - will require significant coaching and in-game experience. The Diamondbacks' coaching staff, led by outfield coach Mark Mallory, will be heavily involved in Lawlar's development, focusing on refining his technique and maximizing his instincts. Extra emphasis will be placed on jump reads, tracking fly balls, and efficiently covering the expansive range required of a major league center fielder.

This bold move underscores the Diamondbacks' commitment to adaptability and prioritizing winning. It highlights their willingness to deviate from pre-season projections to address immediate needs and capitalize on a prospect's diverse skillset. While some fans may lament the delayed shortstop debut, the consensus is that getting Lawlar's bat and athleticism into the lineup is a significant boost for a team aiming to contend in a competitive National League.