Robert Hassell III
Position: OF
Height: 6’1”
Weight: 186 lbs
Bats/Throws: L/L
Born: 08/15/2001
High School: Independence HS (Thompson’s Station, TN)
Drafted: 1st Round, 8th Overall, 2020 (Padres)
How Acquired: Trade (from Nationals)
Bonus: $4,300,000
40-man Roster: No
Rule 5 Eligible: Eligible
Minor League Free Agency: 2026
Options Left: 2
Overview
The Padres drafted Hassell 8th overall in the abbreviated 2020 draft. He was considered, according to Baseball America, “the top pure hitter in the class,” with good plate discipline and a chance to develop average or slightly better power. His speed and arm are above average and he appears to be at least capable in center. The hitting hasn’t turned out well, though, as he’s shown little power and has had problems with chasing. The Nationals acquired Hassell in one of the biggest trades of recent times and, in 2025, gave him a chance in the majors. That didn’t go well and they outrighted him to AAA in July 2026, then traded him to the Pirates for cash a few days later.
2020-23
Hassell of course didn’t play in 2020, then spent 2021-22 in class A. He hit well both years, 323/415/482 in most of the 2021 season in low A, then 299/379/467 in high A prior to being traded to Washington at the deadline. He had 11 home runs in each year combined between multiple stops. After the trade, he got into ten high A games with the Nationals before they sent him to AA. He struggled in 27 games there.
Washington sent Hassell back to high A to open 2023, then moved him up to AA at the start of May. He batted just 225/316/324. His walk rate was solid but he struck out 152 times, a 32% rate.
2024-26
In 2024, Hassell went back to AA and showed improvement, but he went on the injured list for two months, starting in mid-June, with a hand injury. He returned to AA in mid-August, then spent September in AAA. In AA, he hit 271/357/371, although he had only a dozen extra base hits in 264 plate appearances. His walk rate was 11% and his K rate improved markedly to 21%. The Nationals added Hassell to their 40-man roster after the season.
Hassell opened 2025 in AAA and hit much better, which got him a couple of extended trials in the majors. He ended up appearing in 76 games in the minors and 70 in the majors. In AAA, he hit 310/383/456 with ten home runs and a good 35:57 BB:K. He had a lot more trouble in the majors, hitting 223/257/315, with eight walks and 62 strikeouts.
The Nationals sent Hassell back to AAA in 2026 and he took a big step backward, batting just 215/304/289 in 63 games before being traded. His power obviously just about disappeared and his K rate was up to 26%. The Nationals designated him for assignment in July, then traded him to the Pirates after he cleared waivers.
Stats
Transactions
June 10, 2020: Drafted by the San Diego Padres in the 1st round, 8th overall pick; signed on June 23.
August 2, 2022: Traded by the San Diego Padres with Luke Voit, MacKenzie Gore, C.J. Abrams, James Wood and Jarlin Susana to the Washington Nationals for Juan Soto and Josh Bell.
November 19, 2024: Contract purchased by the Washington Nationals.
July 12, 2026: Outrighted to AAA by the Washington Nationals.
July 16, 2026: Traded by the Washington Nationals to the Pittsburgh Pirates for cash.