Another piece of the Juan Soto trade is coming to the big leagues, as the Washington Nationals promote Robert Hassell
The Washington Nationals have promoted their 11th ranked prospect Robert Hassell III to the big leagues. It has been a long and bumpy road for Hassell, but with Dylan Crews going down last night, he is finally a big leaguer.
The Washington Nationals are calling up Robert Hassell III to the majors, per @_chaseford. pic.twitter.com/9WRVVNGann
— Milb Central (@milb_central) May 21, 2025
It has been quite the journey for the man they call Bobby Barrels. He was drafted 8th overall out of high school in the 2020 draft by the San Diego Padres. Hassell performed well in the low minors for the Padres before coming over in the Juan Soto blockbuster trade that is the gift that keeps on giving for Mike Rizzo and the Nats.
With Robert Hassell III coming up to the big leagues, the Nationals officially have turned the Juan Soto trade into 4 pieces of the rebuild, with Susana ranking as a Top 100 Prospect in baseball currently…
Thank you, Juan Soto
Where would the Nats be without this deal? https://t.co/Vf03JCYNie pic.twitter.com/Tg15tfR4Ge
— Bennett Lehmann (@DCBerk) May 21, 2025
After coming over to the Nats system, he struggled in 2022 before injuring his hamate in the Arizona Fall League. That injury really messed with Hassell in 2023. He has a handsy swing, so that injury really threw him off. His pure hitting ability, which was his greatest gift collapsed that year.
He was better in 2024, but still not amazing. However, he showed some flashes of his old self in the AFL last fall. He really got fans excited this spring with a phenomenal spring training where he battled to make the team out of camp.
He did not make the team, and struggled his first month in Triple-A, putting up a .582 OPS. However, as the weather warmed up in Rochester, so did Hassell. The outfielder is hitting .365 this month with a 1.006 OPS. He and Daylen Lile have been a dynamic duo in Rochester’s outfield.
Now with Dylan Crews hurting himself, Hassell will get a chance to shine at the big league level. I would love to see Hassell and Alex Call platoon in right field. Maybe if Call heats up again, you can platoon Hassell and Jacob Young in center, as Hassell is also a strong defender.
Regardless, it is great to see Bobby Barrels get the call to the show. He has worked very hard for this moment and has overcome a lot of adversity. Now it is time for him to show he is a big leaguer.