Before the 1996 season, "Baseball Digest" described Lawton as "very versatile" and stated that he had good arm speed and a "very live bat". He started the season with the Twins, but was sent to the minor leagues in early May. In the minors, Lawton played with the Triple-A Salt Lake Buzz. On May 20, Lawton returned to Salt Lake City after attending the funeral of his aunt. In the minors, he batted .297 with 40 runs, 63 hits, 16 doubles, on triple, seven home runs, and 33 RBIs in 53 games played. Later in the season, Lawton returned to the majors with the Twins. In the majors, he batted .258 with 34 runs, 65 hits, seven doubles, one triple, six home runs, 42 RBIs, and 28 walks in 78 games played. On defense, Lawton played 60 games in right field, 18 game in center field, and one game in left field.