Washington Nationals infielder Trey Lipscomb made his MLB debut last week. He earned a spot in the lineup after Nick Senzel broke his thumb while fielding a baseball during pregame warmups on Opening Day.
Hot Start for Trey Lipscomb
In his MLB debut this past Saturday — and just two games into the 2024 season — Lipscomb started at third base and went 1-for-4 with a strikeout and a stolen base. He became the first player in Nationals history to record a hit and a stolen base in his MLB debut.
His strong start continued as he went 2-for-3 with a walk and his first career home run against the Cincinnati Reds on Sunday, April 1.
First career home run for Trey Lipscomb pic.twitter.com/rtnTOJIu4M
— More Important Issues (@More_Issues) March 31, 2024
Spring Training Recap
Lipscomb made a strong impression at the plate during Spring Training. He went 20-for-50 (.400) with five walks and only seven strikeouts. However, he did not make the initial roster out of camp. Manager Dave Martinez wanted him to play every day to get more baseball experience, so he was assigned to Triple-A Rochester. His opportunity came just a few days later as Senzel’s injury offered Lipscomb the chance to earn meaningful playing time.
2022 MLB Draft
Scouts and critics alike have seen potential in Lipscomb ever since the Nationals made him their third-round pick in the 2022 MLB Draft. As a senior at the University of Tennessee in 2022, he led the SEC with 80 RBI. Last year in the minors, Lipscomb won the Gold Glove award at third base. Only one player at each position in the minors can win a Gold Glove, so Lipscomb was the sole representative at the hot corner.
Minor League Career
Lipscomb split his first full season between High-A and Double-A, playing in 23 games in 2022 while hitting .299. In 2023, he had decent numbers at both Double-A and Triple-A as he played in 129 games and hit 14 home runs with 72 RBI. He also played in the Arizona Fall League last year.
Trey Lipscomb finding out he was getting the call to the big leagues pic.twitter.com/6WQ28vQk6P
— Sam (@sthorn_23) March 31, 2024
Potential for Trey Lipscomb
Lipscomb’s MLB debut came amidst a barrage of experts and fans praising his “big-time potential.” The right-handed slugger has an approach that helps him react to pitches in all areas of the zone. He was able to keep his strikeouts down in the minors, which only helps him in the big leagues. Scouts think Lipscomb, who has average power, can hit 15 to 20 home runs per season with some work.
The 23-year-old worked diligently with hitting coach Darnell Coles during Spring Training. Coles mentioned Lipscomb was a great listener and, with more experience, can be an effective MLB hitter.
Defensive Impact
Lipscomb has quick feet and a good throwing arm. He was a surehanded defender in the minors, mostly playing third base. He could provide innings all over the Nationals’ infield, including first base. His positional versatility could lead to him being a super utility player, which bodes well for his chances to stay on the big-league roster.
Trey Lipscomb is a Top Prospect
MLB Pipeline ranks Lipscomb as the Nationals’ No. 16 prospect. The club’s farm system has been ranked as high as 10th in some rankings. Washington has as many as 12 prospects who could see playing time with the big-league club this season.
Hope and help are on the way for this organization. The fans will have to be patient this season, but with a few breaks, the Nationals could finish around .500.
The Nationals are still rebuilding, but with players like Lipscomb on the roster, they are inching closer to a winning record.
Trey Lipscomb waited his turn at Tennessee for 3 years and became an All-American.
Less than two years after his senior season, he made his MLB debut for his hometown team.
Incredible story https://t.co/KiwKnZZxfO
— Landon Raby (@lambo_raby10) April 3, 2024
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