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The Five Most Exciting Nationals Players to Watch in 2023

By Nick Meyers

WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 28: CJ Abrams #5 of the Washington Nationals celebrates with teammates after driving in the game winning run with a single in the tenth inning against the Atlanta Braves at Nationals Park on September 28, 2022 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 28: CJ Abrams #5 of the Washington Nationals celebrates with teammates after driving in the game winning run with a single in the tenth inning against the Atlanta Braves at Nationals Park on September 28, 2022 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images) /
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PEORIA, AZ – MARCH 7: Robert Hassell III #90 of the San Diego Padres in action during the game against the Kansas City Royals at Peoria Stadium on March 7, 2021 in Peoria, Arizona. The Royals defeated the Padres 4-3. (Photo by Rob Leiter/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
PEORIA, AZ – MARCH 7: Robert Hassell III #90 of the San Diego Padres in action during the game against the Kansas City Royals at Peoria Stadium on March 7, 2021 in Peoria, Arizona. The Royals defeated the Padres 4-3. (Photo by Rob Leiter/MLB Photos via Getty Images) /

3. Robert Hassell III

Now this one might be a stretch, but there is a world in which we see Robert Hassell III called up. He definitely won’t start the year with the Nationals, but a good early part of the season could put the pressure on the Nats to make the call. Also acquired in the Juan Soto trade (there’s a theme here), Hassell has major upside across the board. There isn’t an area to his game that he doesn’t do well.

He did struggle a bit after the trade to DC, but I am hoping with a full offseason to get settled, he picks back up and performs well. My opinion on Victor Robles is well documented at this point, so it remains to be seen just how many more chances he will get and the Nationals do not have another true centerfielder on their roster. If Hassell shows any flashes of being ready, I think he’s first in line.

Now on the flip side, there is a world where we don’t see RH3 this season, and I am perfectly OK with that. Too often have the Nationals rushed prospects when they’re clearly not ready and I would like to not add Hassell to that list. So whether it’s this season or next, Robert Hassell III is a reason to be excited for Nats fans. Check out his breakdown here.

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