Pirates Acquire Former Top Prospect From Nationals

Hassell, who turns 25 next month, was selected eighth overall by the San Diego Padres in the 2020 MLB Draft. He played parts of two seasons in their farm system before being sent to the Nationals as part of the Juan Soto trade package at the 2022 trade deadline. At that time, he was MLB Pipeline’s No. 21 overall prospect and the No. 1 prospect in San Diego’s system.

While some of the other prospects in Washington’s five-player haul panned out early, Hassell’s career stalled. He did not reach the majors until last year, when he hit .223/.257/.315 with a 30.1% strikeout rate over 206 plate appearances. The lefty-hitting outfielder fared much better against Triple-A pitching in 2025, posting an .839 OPS over 76 games.

Hassell returned to the Triple-A level to begin 2026 but has been unable to replicate last year’s success. In 63 games with Rochester, he posted a .215/.304/.289 (.593 OPS) slash line with two home runs and 21 RBI over 258 plate appearances. He was designated for assignment on July 5 and ultimately outrighted off the Nationals’ 40-man roster after going unclaimed on waivers.

According to Pirates insider Alex Stumpf, Hassell will initially report to the Florida Complex League. There, the former top prospect will have an opportunity to work on his hitting mechanics in a lower-stakes environment before presumably joining Triple-A Indianapolis.

Pittsburgh currently has six outfielders on its active roster. The Pirates also have Oneil Cruz nearing a return from the injured list and No. 4 prospect Jhostynxon García at Triple-A, but if Hassell can get back on track offensively, he could work his way into that mix.