The Pittsburgh Pirates were making moves on the last day of the All-Star Break, acquiring former top prospect Robert Hassell III from the Washington Nationals on Thursday for cash or a player to be named later.
The 24-year-old Hassell was a first round draft choice of the San Diego Padres in 2020 and was regarded as a top 40 prospect in 2022 and 2023 before failing to progress any further.
Hassell, an outfielder, was playing in Triple-A this season and was hitting an underwhelming .215 with just 2 homers and 15 RBIs. He did play 70 games with the Nationals varsity last season, finishing the year hitting .223 with 3 homers and 18 RBIs on 197 at-bats.
Obviously, the Bucs are taking a flyer on some unfulfilled potential with Hassell, and they have a need for some depth in the outfield, but the Nationals were do desperate to get rid of him that they traded him to the Bucs for future considerations.
But who knows? Should he turn it around, he would be far from the first player to go to new team and find success, so for the light price that it cost the Buccos, it’s worth the chance.
Welcome to the club, Robert!
