Hassell Joins Pirates
Pittsburgh Pirates acquire former top prospect Robert Hassell III after Nationals DFA
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Key Points
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Hassell was the No. 8 overall pick in the 2020 MLB Draft by San Diego and was viewed as the Padres’ top prospect at the time; he later played a notable role in the 2022 Soto trade between the Nationals and Padres.
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He debuted on May 22, 2025, and appeared in 70 MLB games in 2025, posting a .223 batting average.
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The Nationals designated Hassell for assignment on July 5 to clear 40-man roster space for right-hander Eddy Yean.
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In Triple-A Rochester this season, Hassell batted .215 with two home runs, 11 doubles and 21 RBIs in 63 games.
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The Pirates are not on Hassell’s 40-man roster and would need to add him by the offseason to prevent losing him as a minor-league free agent; he has one remaining minor-league option year.
The Pittsburgh Pirates have acquired outfielder Robert Hassell III from the Washington Nationals for cash considerations or a player to be named later, according to ESPN. The 24-year-old, once ranked the No. 21 prospect in all of baseball, was designated for assignment by Washington on July 5 to clear 40-man roster space for pitcher Eddy Yean.
Hassell cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A before the trade was finalized. The Nationals also promoted catcher Harry Ford to the active roster, replacing injured Drew Millas, as Washington continues to reshape its roster ahead of the August 3 trade deadline.
From No. 8 Draft Pick to Triple-A Struggles
Hassell has a notable draft pedigree. The San Diego Padres selected him with the No. 8 overall pick in the 2020 MLB Draft, and he was viewed as their top prospect. He became even more prominent in 2022, when San Diego sent him to Washington as part of the blockbuster Juan Soto trade.
But his production never matched the hype. This season at Triple-A Rochester, Hassell batted just .215 with two home runs, 11 doubles, and 21 RBIs across 63 games, according to TSN. In 70 major-league appearances in 2025, he hit .223. His career MLB line stands at .223/.304/.289.
Why Washington Moved On From Hassell
The Nationals designated Hassell on July 5 to make room for right-hander Eddy Yean on the 40-man roster. The 40-man roster is a protected list of players an organization must add to keep them from other teams. With Hassell posting below-average numbers at Triple-A, Washington chose roster flexibility over keeping the former top pick.
The move fits a broader pattern for Washington. The Nationals have steadily moved outfield depth pieces as they balance developing young talent with staying competitive. Promoting Harry Ford signals the team is also focused on giving promising players a shot at the big-league level.
What the Pirates Are Getting — and What They Risk
Pittsburgh adds a former top prospect at a very low cost. Hassell is just 24 years old and has one remaining minor-league option year. That means the Pirates can send him up and down between the majors and minors without penalty for one more season.
There is a catch, though. Hassell is not currently on Pittsburgh's 40-man roster, according to The Score. The Pirates would need to add him by the offseason or risk losing him as a minor-league free agent. It is a low-stakes gamble — the cost was cash or a minor piece — but the Pirates must act before the window closes.
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