Pirates take low-cost gamble on former Padres first-rounder after surprise Nationals DFA

The Pittsburgh Pirates are taking another low-cost swing on a former top prospect who once appeared destined to become a major-league regular.

According to Colin Beazley of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the Pirates acquired outfielder Robert Hassell III from the Washington Nationals for either cash considerations or a player to be named later. Hassell is not on Pittsburgh’s 40-man roster, meaning the club can quietly stash him at Triple-A Indianapolis without creating an immediate roster crunch.

Hassell was the No. 8 overall selection by the San Diego Padres in the 2020 MLB Draft and became one of the central pieces in the blockbuster trade that sent Juan Soto from Washington to San Diego in 2022. At the time, Hassell was considered one of baseball’s premier outfield prospects, ranking as high as No. 26 overall entering that season. However, his career hasn't developed as expected.

Hassell debuted for Washington in 2025 but hit just .223 with a .572 OPS, three home runs and 18 RBI across 70 games. He then struggled again this season at Triple-A Rochester, batting .213 and posting a .593 OPS before the Nationals designated him for assignment and eventually outrighted him off the roster. That made his availability somewhat surprising, considering Hassell is still only 24 years old and retains many of the physical tools that once made him such a highly regarded prospect.

Hasell remains an athletic defender with a strong arm and the ability to play multiple outfield spots. There are also still some encouraging indicators beneath his disappointing offensive production.

Pirates take low-risk flier on former first-round pick Robert Hassell III to stockpile minor league outfield depth

Of course, none of that guarantees Hassell will suddenly become the player evaluators envisioned when he was drafted six years ago. His offensive approach and consistency remain legitimate concerns, and he faces a crowded organizational outfield picture that includes Bryan Reynolds, Oneil Cruz, Esmerlyn Valdez, Ryan O'Hearn, Jake Mangum, Jhostynxon Garcia and several other younger options.

But there's little downside to this move, and Pittsburgh doesn't need Hassell to become a star for this trade to work. The Pirates are likely acquiring him as upper-level depth, giving their development staff an opportunity to unlock something Washington couldn't.

At best, Hassell rediscovers enough of his former promise to emerge as a useful fourth outfielder or bench piece. At worst, Pittsburgh spent very little to improve its Triple-A roster. For a club suddenly having success developing young hitters, that is a gamble worth taking.

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