Robert Hassell

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Washington Nationals #7 prospect in 2024
  BA Grade: 50/Very High
  
  Track Record: The Padres signed Hassell for a below-slot $4.3 million with the eighth overall pick in 2020. He reached High-A in his 2021 pro debut and began 2022 at that level. At that year’s trade deadline, he was one of the key pieces--along with CJ Abrams, MacKenzie Gore, James Wood and Jarlin Susana--the Padres sent to the Nationals for Juan Soto. Hassell finished that year with Double-A Harrisburg and joined the Nationals’ contingent at the Arizona Fall League, but he broke the hamate bone in his right hand after just two games. He spent the beginning of 2023 rehabbing before making his season debut at Double-A in May. Hassell again struggled at the plate and again was assigned to the AFL, where the Nationals hope he taps into some power and regains a feel at the plate.
  
  Scouting Report: Hassell was dubbed one of the best pure hitters in his draft class. He has a contact-based approach, but he adjusted his bat path at the end of the 2022 season and it has caused some issues. Some evaluators believe that the lefthanded-hitting Hassell could project for fringe-average power, but he has yet to tap into it in games. He finds a way to get on base and has above-average speed, which makes him a basestealing threat. His above-average arm combined with that speed gives him the ability to play any outfield position. Unless his bat takes a step forward, Hassell may slide into more of a fourth outfielder type of role.
  
  The Future: Hassell did not reach Washington in September, as many expected before the season. The lack of offensive production raises concern, but the Nationals hope it was due to a longer recovery from the wrist injury rather than something mechanical.
  
  Scouting Grades Hit: 50 | Power: 40 | Run: 55 | Field: 55 | Arm: 55
• 
  Ranked Washington Nationals #2 prospect in 2023
  BA Grade/Risk: 60/High
  
  Track Record: Hassell is no stranger to the world stage. He represented South Nashville at the 2014 Little League World Series and went on to shine with USA Baseball's 18U national team. The Padres signed Hassell for a below-slot $4.3 million after drafting him eighth overall in 2020. Hassell was invited to big league spring training in 2021 before making his pro debut at Low-A. He reached High-A Fort Wayne that season and began 2022 at the level. He was named to the Futures Game before becoming a key prospect in the blockbuster trade that sent Juan Soto to the Padres and Hassell plus four other young talents to the Nationals. He spent two weeks with the Nationals' High-A Wilmington affiliate before moving to Double-A Harrisburg on Aug. 16 and then the Arizona Fall League in October. Hassell's AFL time was limited to two games when he broke the hamate bone in his right hand. He is expected to be back for spring training.
  
  Scouting Report: A plus hitter with advanced ball-to-bat skills, Hassell immediately proved why he was dubbed one of the best pure hitters in his draft class. He has an ability to control the zone and sees lefthanders well, in a way that is rare for a young lefthanded hitter. While Hassell doesn't project for more than fringe-average power, his ability to hit for average and get on base makes him a candidate to hit at the top of a batting order. He is an on-base machine with above-average speed and an affinity for stealing bases. His above-average arm gives him the ability to play any outfield position, but has a chance to stay in center field, where he has spent the majority of his minor league career.
  
  The Future: If Hassell can unlock his 15-20 homer upside, the Nationals are looking at a possible all-star. He heads back to Double-A in 2023 and should see time at Triple-A and possibly Washington.
  
  Scouting Grades: Hitting: 60. Power: 45. Speed: 55. Fielding: 55. Arm: 55
• 
  Ranked San Diego Padres #2 prospect in 2022
  Track Record: Hassell starred in the Little League World Series and led USA Baseball’s 18U national team to a silver medal at the 2019 World Cup with a .514 batting average. The Padres drafted him eighth overall in 2020 and signed him away from a Vanderbilt commitment for $4.3 million. Hassell reported to the alternate training site after signing and got at-bats in big league spring training games in 2021 before making his official pro debut. He lived up to his reputation as a premium hitter by batting .323/.415/.482 at Low-A Lake Elsinore and received a late promotion to High-A Fort Wayne.
  
  Scouting Report: Hassell’s loose, all-fields swing is already perfectly geared for contact. He’s a consensus plus hitter who controls the strike zone, covers the entire plate and hangs in well against lefties in a way that is rare for a young lefthanded hitter. With a thin, 6-foot-2, 182-pound frame, Hassell has endured questions about his power potential for years, but he is learning to backspin the ball and pull the appropriate pitches. Until his average power manifests in games more consistently, the Padres are content to hit him atop the order, where he’s an on-base machine and a stolen base threat with his above-average speed. Hassell is a natural center fielder who is light on his feet and has the above-average arm strength to play any outfield position. He plays with a chip on his shoulder and isn’t afraid to voice it.
  
  The Future: Hassell is on the fast track and could reach Double-A as a 20-year-old in 2022. He’s an all-star in the making if he unlocks his 15-20 homer potential.
  
• 
  Ranked San Diego Padres #7 prospect in 2021
  Hitting: 60. Power: 50. Running: 55. Fielding: 55. Arm: 55.
  
  TRACK RECORD: Hassell’s precocious hitting ability first rose to national prominence when he played for Tennessee in the 2013 and 2014 Little League World Series. He later hit .514 to lead USA Baseball’s 18U National Team to the silver medal at the 2019 World Cup, cementing his status as the top high school hitter in the 2020 class. The Padres made Hassell the first prep player drafted, No. 8 overall, and signed him for $4.3 million to forgo a Vanderbilt commitment. He reported to the alternate training site before finishing up with a strong showing at instructional league.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Hassell has a picturesque lefthanded swing geared for contact. It’s an easy, loose, direct swing, and he has a preternatural ability to manipulate the barrel and cover all parts of the strike zone. Hassell has excellent strike-zone discipline and projects to be at least a plus hitter, but his lean, thin frame raises questions about his power potential. His long limbs and big hands provide hope he can add enough strength to reach 15-20 home runs. Hassell is an average runner down the line and ticks up to above-average in center field, where he glides naturally to the ball as an above-average defender. He touched 92 mph as a pitcher and has the arm strength for right field if needed.
  
  THE FUTURE: Hassell’s pure hitting ability gives him an excellent foundation. His physical development will determine if he reaches his All-Star potential.

Draft Prospects

• Ranked #16 prospect in 2020 draft
  Hassell is at the top of the list when it comes to the best hitters in the high school class. He was voted the top pure hitter in the class by scouting directors and has few holes in a loose, lefthanded swing. He was the most consistent hitter for USA Baseball’s 18U National Team last summer, leading the Americans in 10 offensive categories while posting a .514/.548/.886 slash line. For his efforts, he was named the World Baseball Softball Confederation’s 2019 International Player of the Year. Hassell has a lean frame with an exceptionally handsy swing that reminds scouts of players like Jarred Kelenic and Riley Greene. He brings a sound approach to the plate and understands the strike zone. He rarely swings and misses, uses the entire field and shows an advanced ability to make adjustments. With his swing, discipline and approach, he projects as a consensus plus hitter who could hit .300 in his best years. Hassell has a fairly lean frame at 6-foot-2 and 190 pounds, and scouts are mixed on his future power potential. Some wonder how much bigger he’ll get, while others are more optimistic he'll develop average or 55-grade power. Defensively, Hassell has a chance to stick in center field. He’s an above-average runner with above-average arm strength, but he lacks the elite footspeed most major league center fielders possess. It’s more likely he winds up in a corner, where he could be a good defender, though that will put more pressure on him to grow into more power. It’s rare for the top prep hitter in the class to fall out of the top half of the first round, but teams didn’t see Hassell much this spring and he’ll be competing against a strong group of prep outfielders. He is committed to Vanderbilt.

Minor League Top Prospects

• 
  Ranked California League #3 prospect in 2021
  Hassell emerged as arguably the most complete player in the league, showing special ability as a hitter, baserunner and defender. He finished third in batting (.323) and second in on-base percentage (.482), stole 31 bases in 37 attempts and was voted the league’s best defensive outfielder by managers. Hassell demonstrated elite strike-zone discipline and consistently lined balls hard with a smooth, quick swing from the left side. He hit lefties (.384) as well as righties (.301) and showed a precocious ability to use the whole field. “The thing that really stood out is (how well he hit) against lefties,” Inland Empire manager Jack Howell said. “When he’s staying in on lefties and hitting the ball the other way, I know he’s got a great approach.” Hassell has room to gain strength and add power, and his contact skills, above-average speed and excellent baserunning instincts should make him a well-rounded offensive threat. He proved a natural defender in center field with light feet, clean routes and plus arm strength.

Top 100 Rankings

• Ranked Baseball America's #57 prospect in 2023
• Ranked Baseball America's #30 prospect in 2022
• Ranked Baseball America's #85 prospect in 2021

• February, 2023 Scouting Report
  BA Grade/Risk: 60/High
  
  Track Record: Hassell is no stranger to the world stage. He represented South Nashville at the 2014 Little League World Series and went on to shine with USA Baseball's 18U national team. The Padres signed Hassell for a below-slot $4.3 million after drafting him eighth overall in 2020. Hassell was invited to big league spring training in 2021 before making his pro debut at Low-A. He reached High-A Fort Wayne that season and began 2022 at the level. He was named to the Futures Game before becoming a key prospect in the blockbuster trade that sent Juan Soto to the Padres and Hassell plus four other young talents to the Nationals. He spent two weeks with the Nationals' High-A Wilmington affiliate before moving to Double-A Harrisburg on Aug. 16 and then the Arizona Fall League in October. Hassell's AFL time was limited to two games when he broke the hamate bone in his right hand. He is expected to be back for spring training.
  
  Scouting Report: A plus hitter with advanced ball-to-bat skills, Hassell immediately proved why he was dubbed one of the best pure hitters in his draft class. He has an ability to control the zone and sees lefthanders well, in a way that is rare for a young lefthanded hitter. While Hassell doesn't project for more than fringe-average power, his ability to hit for average and get on base makes him a candidate to hit at the top of a batting order. He is an on-base machine with above-average speed and an affinity for stealing bases. His above-average arm gives him the ability to play any outfield position, but has a chance to stay in center field, where he has spent the majority of his minor league career.
  
  The Future: If Hassell can unlock his 15-20 homer upside, the Nationals are looking at a possible all-star. He heads back to Double-A in 2023 and should see time at Triple-A and possibly Washington.
  
  Scouting Grades: Hitting: 60. Power: 45. Speed: 55. Fielding: 55. Arm: 55
• December, 2022 Scouting Report
  BA Grade/Risk: 60/High
  
  Track Record: Hassell is no stranger to the world stage. He represented South Nashville at the 2014 Little League World Series and went on to shine with USA Baseball's 18U national team. The Padres signed Hassell for a below-slot $4.3 million after drafting him eighth overall in 2020. Hassell was invited to big league spring training in 2021 before making his pro debut at Low-A. He reached High-A Fort Wayne that season and began 2022 at the level. He was named to the Futures Game before becoming a key prospect in the blockbuster trade that sent Juan Soto to the Padres and Hassell plus four other young talents to the Nationals. He spent two weeks with the Nationals' High-A Wilmington affiliate before moving to Double-A Harrisburg on Aug. 16 and then the Arizona Fall League in October. Hassell's AFL time was limited to two games when he broke the hamate bone in his right hand. He is expected to be back for spring training.
  
  Scouting Report: A plus hitter with advanced ball-to-bat skills, Hassell immediately proved why he was dubbed one of the best pure hitters in his draft class. He has an ability to control the zone and sees lefthanders well, in a way that is rare for a young lefthanded hitter. While Hassell doesn't project for more than fringe-average power, his ability to hit for average and get on base makes him a candidate to hit at the top of a batting order. He is an on-base machine with above-average speed and an affinity for stealing bases. His above-average arm gives him the ability to play any outfield position, but has a chance to stay in center field, where he has spent the majority of his minor league career.
  
  The Future: If Hassell can unlock his 15-20 homer upside, the Nationals are looking at a possible all-star. He heads back to Double-A in 2023 and should see time at Triple-A and possibly Washington.
  
  Scouting Grades: Hitting: 60. Power: 45. Speed: 55. Fielding: 55. Arm: 55
• April, 2022 Scouting Report
  BA Grade: 60/High
  
  Track Record: Hassell starred in the Little League World Series and led USA Baseball&#39s 18U national team to a silver medal at the 2019 World Cup with a .514 batting average. The Padres drafted him eighth overall in 2020 and signed him away from a Vanderbilt commitment for $4.3 million. Hassell reported to the alternate training site after signing and got at-bats in big league spring training games in 2021 before making his official pro debut. He lived up to his reputation as a premium hitter by batting .323/.415/.482 at Low-A Lake Elsinore and received a late promotion to High-A Fort Wayne.
  
  Scouting Report: Hassell&#39s loose, all-fields swing is already perfectly geared for contact. He&#39s a consensus plus hitter who controls the strike zone, covers the entire plate and hangs in well against lefties in a way that is rare for a young lefthanded hitter. With a thin, 6-foot-2, 182-pound frame, Hassell has endured questions about his power potential for years, but he is learning to backspin the ball and pull the appropriate pitches. He&#39s an on-base machine and a stolen base threat with his above-average speed. The Nationals hope he will crack into his power potential in time. Hassell is a natural center fielder who is light on his feet and has the above-average arm strength to play any outfield position. He plays with a chip on his shoulder and isn&#39t afraid to voice it.
  
  The Future: Hassell is on the fast track and could reach Double-A as a 20-year-old in 2022. He&#39s an all-star in the making if he unlocks his 15-20 homer potential.
  
  Scouting Grades: Hit: 60. Power: 45. Speed: 55. Fielding: 55. Arm: 55.
• December, 2021 Scouting Report
  Track Record: Hassell starred in the Little League World Series and led USA Baseball’s 18U national team to a silver medal at the 2019 World Cup with a .514 batting average. The Padres drafted him eighth overall in 2020 and signed him away from a Vanderbilt commitment for $4.3 million. Hassell reported to the alternate training site after signing and got at-bats in big league spring training games in 2021 before making his official pro debut. He lived up to his reputation as a premium hitter by batting .323/.415/.482 at Low-A Lake Elsinore and received a late promotion to High-A Fort Wayne.
  
  Scouting Report: Hassell’s loose, all-fields swing is already perfectly geared for contact. He’s a consensus plus hitter who controls the strike zone, covers the entire plate and hangs in well against lefties in a way that is rare for a young lefthanded hitter. With a thin, 6-foot-2, 182-pound frame, Hassell has endured questions about his power potential for years, but he is learning to backspin the ball and pull the appropriate pitches. Until his average power manifests in games more consistently, the Padres are content to hit him atop the order, where he’s an on-base machine and a stolen base threat with his above-average speed. Hassell is a natural center fielder who is light on his feet and has the above-average arm strength to play any outfield position. He plays with a chip on his shoulder and isn’t afraid to voice it.
  
  The Future: Hassell is on the fast track and could reach Double-A as a 20-year-old in 2022. He’s an all-star in the making if he unlocks his 15-20 homer potential.
  
• October, 2021 Scouting Report
  Hassell emerged as arguably the most complete player in the league, showing special ability as a hitter, baserunner and defender. He finished third in batting (.323) and second in on-base percentage (.482), stole 31 bases in 37 attempts and was voted the league’s best defensive outfielder by managers. Hassell demonstrated elite strike-zone discipline and consistently lined balls hard with a smooth, quick swing from the left side. He hit lefties (.384) as well as righties (.301) and showed a precocious ability to use the whole field. “The thing that really stood out is (how well he hit) against lefties,” Inland Empire manager Jack Howell said. “When he’s staying in on lefties and hitting the ball the other way, I know he’s got a great approach.” Hassell has room to gain strength and add power, and his contact skills, above-average speed and excellent baserunning instincts should make him a well-rounded offensive threat. He proved a natural defender in center field with light feet, clean routes and plus arm strength.
• July, 2021 Scouting Report
  Hitting: 60. Power: 50. Running: 55. Fielding: 55. Arm: 55.
  
  TRACK RECORD: Hassell's precocious hitting ability first rose to national prominence when he played for Tennessee in the 2013 and 2014 Little League World Series. He later hit .514 to lead USA Baseball's 18U National Team to the silver medal at the 2019 World Cup, cementing his status as the top high school hitter in the 2020 class. The Padres made Hassell the first prep player drafted, No. 8 overall, and signed him for $4.3 million to forgo a Vanderbilt commitment. He reported to the alternate training site before finishing up with a strong showing at instructional league.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Hassell has a picturesque lefthanded swing geared for contact. It's an easy, loose, direct swing, and he has a preternatural ability to manipulate the barrel and cover all parts of the strike zone. Hassell has excellent strike-zone discipline and projects to be at least a plus hitter, but his lean, thin frame raises questions about his power potential. His long limbs and big hands provide hope he can add enough strength to reach 15-20 home runs. Hassell is an average runner down the line and ticks up to above-average in center field, where he glides naturally to the ball as an above-average defender. He touched 92 mph as a pitcher and has the arm strength for right field if needed.
  
  THE FUTURE: Hassell's pure hitting ability gives him an excellent foundation. His physical development will determine if he reaches his All-Star potential.
• March, 2021 Scouting Report
  Hitting: 60. Power: 50. Running: 55. Fielding: 55. Arm: 55.
  
  TRACK RECORD: Hassell’s precocious hitting ability first rose to national prominence when he played for Tennessee in the 2013 and 2014 Little League World Series. He later hit .514 to lead USA Baseball’s 18U National Team to the silver medal at the 2019 World Cup, cementing his status as the top high school hitter in the 2020 class. The Padres made Hassell the first prep player drafted, No. 8 overall, and signed him for $4.3 million to forgo a Vanderbilt commitment. He reported to the alternate training site before finishing up with a strong showing at instructional league.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Hassell has a picturesque lefthanded swing geared for contact. It’s an easy, loose, direct swing, and he has a preternatural ability to manipulate the barrel and cover all parts of the strike zone. Hassell has excellent strike-zone discipline and projects to be at least a plus hitter, but his lean, thin frame raises questions about his power potential. His long limbs and big hands provide hope he can add enough strength to reach 15-20 home runs. Hassell is an average runner down the line and ticks up to above-average in center field, where he glides naturally to the ball as an above-average defender. He touched 92 mph as a pitcher and has the arm strength for right field if needed.
  
  THE FUTURE: Hassell’s pure hitting ability gives him an excellent foundation. His physical development will determine if he reaches his All-Star potential.
• December, 2020 Scouting Report
  Hitting: 60. Power: 50. Running: 55. Fielding: 55. Arm: 55.
  
  TRACK RECORD: Hassell’s precocious hitting ability first rose to national prominence when he played for Tennessee in the 2013 and 2014 Little League World Series. He later hit .514 to lead USA Baseball’s 18U National Team to the silver medal at the 2019 World Cup, cementing his status as the top high school hitter in the 2020 class. The Padres made Hassell the first prep player drafted, No. 8 overall, and signed him for $4.3 million to forgo a Vanderbilt commitment. He reported to the alternate training site before finishing up with a strong showing at instructional league.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Hassell has a picturesque lefthanded swing geared for contact. It’s an easy, loose, direct swing, and he has a preternatural ability to manipulate the barrel and cover all parts of the strike zone. Hassell has excellent strike-zone discipline and projects to be at least a plus hitter, but his lean, thin frame raises questions about his power potential. His long limbs and big hands provide hope he can add enough strength to reach 15-20 home runs. Hassell is an average runner down the line and ticks up to above-average in center field, where he glides naturally to the ball as an above-average defender. He touched 92 mph as a pitcher and has the arm strength for right field if needed.
  
  THE FUTURE: Hassell’s pure hitting ability gives him an excellent foundation. His physical development will determine if he reaches his All-Star potential.
• July, 2020 Scouting Report
  Hassell is at the top of the list when it comes to the best hitters in the high school class. He was voted the top pure hitter in the class by scouting directors and has few holes in a loose, lefthanded swing. He was the most consistent hitter for USA Baseball’s 18U National Team last summer, leading the Americans in 10 offensive categories while posting a .514/.548/.886 slash line. For his efforts, he was named the World Baseball Softball Confederation’s 2019 International Player of the Year. Hassell has a lean frame with an exceptionally handsy swing that reminds scouts of players like Jarred Kelenic and Riley Greene. He brings a sound approach to the plate and understands the strike zone. He rarely swings and misses, uses the entire field and shows an advanced ability to make adjustments. With his swing, discipline and approach, he projects as a consensus plus hitter who could hit .300 in his best years. Hassell has a fairly lean frame at 6-foot-2 and 190 pounds, and scouts are mixed on his future power potential. Some wonder how much bigger he’ll get, while others are more optimistic he'll develop average or 55-grade power. Defensively, Hassell has a chance to stick in center field. He’s an above-average runner with above-average arm strength, but he lacks the elite footspeed most major league center fielders possess. It’s more likely he winds up in a corner, where he could be a good defender, though that will put more pressure on him to grow into more power. It’s rare for the top prep hitter in the class to fall out of the top half of the first round, but teams didn’t see Hassell much this spring and he’ll be competing against a strong group of prep outfielders. He is committed to Vanderbilt.
• December, 2019 Scouting Report
  Hassell is at the top of the list when it comes to the best hitters in the high school class. He was voted the top pure hitter in the class by scouting directors and has few holes in a loose, lefthanded swing. He was the most consistent hitter for USA Baseball’s 18U National Team last summer, leading the Americans in 10 offensive categories while posting a .514/.548/.886 slash line. For his efforts, he was named the World Baseball Softball Confederation’s 2019 International Player of the Year. Hassell has a lean frame with an exceptionally handsy swing that reminds scouts of players like Jarred Kelenic and Riley Greene. He brings a sound approach to the plate and understands the strike zone. He rarely swings and misses, uses the entire field and shows an advanced ability to make adjustments. With his swing, discipline and approach, he projects as a consensus plus hitter who could hit .300 in his best years. Hassell has a fairly lean frame at 6-foot-2 and 190 pounds, and scouts are mixed on his future power potential. Some wonder how much bigger he’ll get, while others are more optimistic he'll develop average or 55-grade power. Defensively, Hassell has a chance to stick in center field. He’s an above-average runner with above-average arm strength, but he lacks the elite footspeed most major league center fielders possess. It’s more likely he winds up in a corner, where he could be a good defender, though that will put more pressure on him to grow into more power. It’s rare for the top prep hitter in the class to fall out of the top half of the first round, but teams didn’t see Hassell much this spring and he’ll be competing against a strong group of prep outfielders. He is committed to Vanderbilt.