The Nationals traded former top outfield prospect Robert Hassell III to the Pirates on Thursday in exchange for cash considerations or a player to be named later, the team announced.
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Hassell, the eighth overall pick in the 2020 Draft out of high school, was a key component of the 2022 Juan Soto blockbuster deal with the Padres. He was ranked as San Diego’s top prospect and MLB’s No. 21 overall prospect at the time of the trade.
TRADE DETAILS
Pirates receive: OF Robert Hassell III
Nationals receive: Cash considerations or a player to be named later
Hassell joined a Nats system that was crowded with outfield depth. He debuted on May 22, 2025, and he batted .223 in 70 big league games last season.
But with James Wood, Dylan Crews, Jacob Young and Daylen Lile also vying for playing time, there was steep competition for innings among the young outfielders. Hassell and Crews were optioned to Triple-A during Spring Training, while Joey Wiemer made the Opening Day roster.
The Nationals designated Hassell for assignment on July 5 to clear space on the 40-man roster for right-hander Eddy Yean. Hassell cleared outright waivers and was assigned outright to Triple-A Rochester.
Hassell will look to improve his production with a change of scenery. In 63 games with the Red Wings this season, he slashed .215/.304/.289 with a .593 OPS and two home runs.
Hassell is not the first Nationals outfielder the Pirates have acquired in recent years. Pittsburgh picked Joshua Palacios in the Minor League phase of the 2022 Rule 5 Draft. Palacios played two seasons with the Pirates from 2023-24, and they recently brought him back on a Minor League deal.