One prospect who should be called up before May 1st is Robert Hassell III for the Washington Nationals. It's time to see what the left-handed hitting outfielder can provide at the Major League level. Currently ranked as the 11th best prospect in the Nats' top-30 list, Hassell III has overcome a few injuries, but the 23-year-old is fully healthy and hitting his stride at AAA.
Through 11 games at AAA Rochester, Hassell III has a slashline of .311/.354/.378 for an OPS of .732 with three doubles, three RBI, three walks, and five stolen bases. The most intriguing statistic is the five stolen bases, as Hassell III only stole 15 bags in 85 games in '24. The 23-year-old is running aggressively on the basepaths and being rewarded. Robert has struggled with his game since being acquired from the Padres in the Juan Soto trade. He's dealt with multiple injuries, which has something to do with it, but he's clearly healthy in 2025.
Why is it time to call Hassell III up to the Majors? He's 23 years old, having success at AAA, and Jacob Young is struggling. Currently the Nats center fielder, Young has struggled at the plate and has lost at-bats to Alex Call. While Call is scorching hot at the plate, that won't last forever. If Young continues to bring negative value at the plate while Hassell produces with the bat at AAA, the Nats front office could be forced to make a move. The Nats know what they're getting in the form of Jacob Young; it might be time to see what we have in Robert Hassell III.
Hassell III was a highly touted prospect in 2020, selected eighth by the San Diego Padres. Again, injuries have hurt Robert throughout his time in the minors, but he's 100% healthy now. He brings plus speed and fielding skills, a solid arm in the outfield, and is developing his eye at the plate. If Hassell III can develop more power, he will be an extremely valuable asset to the Nats. Currently on the 40-man roster, it wouldn't be difficult for the Nats to get Robert to D.C. The corresponding move would likely be for Jacob Young to be sent to AAA. Young's play is concerning, while his defense is elite and justifies putting him in the lineup, his baserunning has been questionable to start the season. Most notably, Young was thrown out to end the game in Toronto.
What are your thoughts? Should the Nats call-up Robert Hassell III?