Like fellow PuRP Reid Humphreys, Justin Lawrence was a two-way player in college. Unlike Humphreys, Lawrence wasn’t really successful at either “way” initially. A lack of game action gave the righty plenty of time to monkey with his motion, including a lowering of his arm slot that improved his fastball’s velocity and life. This success was enough to get Lawrence noticed by the Rockies as a 12th round pick out of a Florida community college in 2015 and earn him a $100k signing bonus.
Mid-season Rank: HM
High Ballot: 7
Mode Ballot: 12, 15, 16, 19
Future Value: 40, middle reliever
Contract Status: 2015 12th Round, 40 Man Roster, three options remaining
MLB ETA: 2020
Lawrence (who, fun fact, was born in the Panama Canal Zone) did not find immediate success as a pro.