Track Record: The Padres signed Hassell for a below-slot $4.3 million with the eighth overall pick in 2020. He reached High-A in his 2021 pro debut and began 2022 at that level. At that year’s trade deadline, he was one of the key pieces--along with CJ Abrams, MacKenzie Gore, James Wood and Jarlin Susana--the Padres sent to the Nationals for Juan Soto. Hassell finished that year with Double-A Harrisburg and joined the Nationals’ contingent at the Arizona Fall League, but he broke the hamate bone in his right hand after just two games. He spent the beginning of 2023 rehabbing before making his season debut at Double-A in May. Hassell again struggled at the plate and again was assigned to the AFL, where the Nationals hope he taps into some power and regains a feel at the plate.
Scouting Report: Hassell was dubbed one of the best pure hitters in his draft class. He has a contact-based approach, but he adjusted his bat path at the end of the 2022 season and it has caused some issues. Some evaluators believe that the lefthanded-hitting Hassell could project for fringe-average power, but he has yet to tap into it in games. He finds a way to get on base and has above-average speed, which makes him a basestealing threat. His above-average arm combined with that speed gives him the ability to play any outfield position. Unless his bat takes a step forward, Hassell may slide into more of a fourth outfielder type of role.
The Future: Hassell did not reach Washington in September, as many expected before the season. The lack of offensive production raises concern, but the Nationals hope it was due to a longer recovery from the wrist injury rather than something mechanical.
Scouting Grades Hit: 50 | Power: 40 | Run: 55 | Field: 55 | Arm: 55
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