The Nationals introduced that they’ve added outfielder Robert Hassell III and right-hander Andry Lara to their 40-man roster. Each gamers are actually protected against being chosen within the Rule 5 draft, with the deadline for such strikes coming at 5pm Central right this moment. Washington’s 40-man roster rely climbs to 38.
Hassell, now 23, was considered one of six gamers who went from the Padres to the Nationals within the Juan Soto blockbuster. On the time, Hassell was thought-about one of many high 100 prospects within the league, having been chosen eighth general in 2020 after which performing nicely within the decrease ranges of the minors.
His inventory has fallen because the commerce due to some uneven outcomes as he has battled wrist accidents. He spent most of 2023 in Double-A, entering into 106 video games at that stage. His 10.9% stroll fee was stable however he additionally struck out at an enormous 31.9% clip. He produced a line of .225/.316/.324 for a wRC+ of 81. In 2024, he obtained into 85 video games throughout a number of ranges, decreasing his strikeout fee to simply 21% however his .241/.319/.328 batting line wasn’t a lot of an enchancment.
Nevertheless, he’s simply coming off a powerful efficiency within the Arizona Fall League. He obtained 100 plate appearances there throughout 22 video games, hitting .281/.360/.517 in these. It’s a small pattern however an encouraging signal nonetheless.
Although Hassell isn’t actually thought-about a high 100 man anymore, it’s potential that overcoming his wrist accidents may get him again on observe going ahead. The Nats clearly didn’t need him to get plucked away by one other membership, so he’s been added to the roster right this moment to maintain him out of the Rule 5 draft.
The Nats have Dylan Crews, James Wooden and Jacob Younger as their doubtless outfield trio for the time being however Hassell will give them some optionable depth. If he performs nicely sufficient to earn his main league debut, maybe Younger might be pushed right into a fourth outfielder position, although the designated hitter slot can be pretty open for the time being. That would permit sufficient room within the lineup for everybody however that can naturally rely on what strikes the membership makes within the the rest of the offseason.
Extra to return.
