After an injury to Nick Senzel before the 2024 season even began, the Nationals are set to promote fellow former Tennesee Volunteer Trey Lipscomb to the Majors. Lipscomb was a former third-round pick who dominated the SEC in 2022 and turned in solid results as a pro since being selected by Washington.
A Look at Lipscomb
Nationals infielder Trey Lipscomb showcased a lot of pop at the University of Tennessee, as he belted 22 home runs in his fourth collegiate season in 2022. That helped him earn a third-round selection in the 2022 MLB Draft by Washington.
Lipscomb posted modest results as a pro, as he hit .272 with a .720 OPS between High-A and Double-A in 2023. Scouts reportedly like his quiet, simple approach at the plate that allows him to get at balls at either side of the strike zone.
Lipscomb also hit well in spring, as he posted a .400 average and 171 wRC+ over 21 games in Florida
His best tool might be the glove, as Lipscomb was a 2023 Minor League Gold Glove winner at third base. Lipscomb also spent time at first, second, and short last season.
However, Lipscomb is aggressive at the plate. Per MLB.com, the 23-year-old sported a high 42% chase rate in Double-A last season, a good explanation for his low walk numbers (3.6% BB% in 2023) in the Minors.
Per the Washington Post, Trey Lipscomb is expected to join the Nationals after Nick Senzel, acquired by the team in the offseason, went down with a broken thumb during pre-Opening Day practice.
Analysis
While Lipscomb may not be the Nationals’ long-term third base option — Yohandy Morales bullied his way to Double-A last season after a torrid run at the U, while Brady House also looms — Lipscomb has a good opportunity to establish himself as a short-term option, or more.
Last season, the Nationals had Jeimer Candelario and Ildemaro Vargas as third basemen. Candelario’s been off the Nats’ roster since the summer of 2023, while Vargas slashed .252/.304/.363 (.666 OPS) last season over 86 games.
Lipscomb doesn’t have a standout offensive profile but his strong defensive skills could make him an intriguing option at the hot corner in the short term.