Juan Soto's trade to the San Diego Padres in 2022 has led to significant roster changes for the Washington Nationals. On July 5, 2026, the team designated Robert Hassell III for assignment, a former first-rounder acquired in the deal.
What happened to Robert Hassell III?
The Nationals selected right-hander Eddy Yean, and as a result, Hassell was designated for assignment. He was one of several prospects acquired from the Padres in the Juan Soto trade.
The 24-year-old outfielder played 70 games for the Nationals in 2025, slashing .223/.257/.315 with three home runs. However, he struggled with injuries and was eventually squeezed out of the outfield mix.
Why was Robert Hassell III designated for assignment?
Hassell's performance in 2026 was underwhelming, hitting .215 with a .593 OPS in Triple-A Rochester. The Nationals have opted for an outfield of Daylen Lile, Jacob Young, James Wood, and Dylan Crews instead.
Mark Zuckerman of Nats Journal reported the news, which comes a day after James Wood and CJ Abrams were named National League All-Stars. The Nationals have seven days to trade, release, or outright Hassell to the minor leagues.
What's next for the Washington Nationals?
The team's rebuild is ongoing, with president of baseball operations Paul Toboni aiming to make the Nationals a postseason contender. CJ Abrams is under control through the 2028 season, giving Toboni a timeframe to work with.
The Nationals' current record stands at 46-44 after their first 90 games, putting them on the periphery of Wild Card contention. With the Juan Soto trade return still unfolding, the team's future looks promising, albeit with some uncertainty