Why Nationals are parting ways with Robert Hassell III despite high-ranking prospect status

Robert Hassell III was supposed to be a star in the Washington Nationals' outfield.

Pretty soon, he may not even be a part of the organization.

On Sunday, the Nats designated Hassell for assignment.

That means he has been removed from the 40-man roster. But in order to do that, he has to be placed on waivers.

Hassell can be claimed by any of the other 29 teams in MLB off of waivers, and given his past status as a promising prospect, that could definitely happen.

"Hassell, a former top prospect acquired in the Juan Soto trade, had a .593 OPS in Triple-A Rochester this year," writes Spencer Nusbaum of The Athletic on X. ""He had an .839 OPS in Rochester last year, so I wouldn’t be shocked if another team gave him a shot."

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Why did the Nats DFA Robert Hassell III?

He seemed to take a step back this year, with that aforementioned .593 OPS in Triple-A.

The Nationals have figured out their outfield in the meantime, and waiting for Hassell may not have made as much sense for them anymore.

He's hit .223 in 197 MLB at bats to this point, and his decline in the minor leagues sets him up for this move.

Will another team claim Robert Hassell III?

There's a pretty strong chance.

Hassell is 24 years old and a former No. 8 overall pick.

He also was a top-100 prospect in 2021, 2022 and 2023.

Hassell has hit enough on his way through the minors that a rebuilding club should definitely give him a chance.

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