On the time of the Juan Soto commerce, Robert Hassell III was seen as one of many most secure items within the bundle. He was a prime 40 prospect, who had accomplished nothing however rake his whole profession. The outfielder was a former prime 10 choose who was racing his method by means of the decrease minors. There have been some questions on how a lot energy he had and what his defensive residence can be, however no one questioned his means to hit.
Nevertheless, issues have modified over the previous 2.5 years. After a gradual begin to life within the Nats group, Hassell broke his hamate within the 2022 Arizona Fall League. This harm stunted Hassell’s growth considerably. The harm messed with Hassell’s pure handsy swing and impacted his means to hit. It additionally magnified another flaws within the children sport, comparable to his lack of pop and his incapacity to activate the ball.
These issues derailed Hassell’s 2023, the place the child nicknamed “Bobby Barrels” hit simply .221. He appeared utterly misplaced, even shedding that well-known contact means which made him such a seemingly secure guess.
2024 was barely higher, however nonetheless not nice. He as soon as once more spent many of the season in Double-A, the place he was respectable. Hassell hit .271 with a .728 OPS on the stage, wanting nearer to the man he was within the Padres system. Nevertheless, he completed up the yr by getting his doorways blown off at Triple-A, going 8 for 64 in Rochester.
After a robust Arizona Fall League marketing campaign gave him some momentum, Hassell has proven up a brand new man this spring. He began spring by going 8 for his first 14 with 4 additional base hits and a homer. The homer was particularly candy as a result of we noticed Hassell activate the ball with authority, one thing he has not accomplished a lot of since his hamate harm.
As we noticed with Trey Lipscomb final yr, Spring Coaching manufacturing doesn’t translate to common season success. Preserving that in thoughts, the plan ought to nonetheless be to start out Hassell in Rochester and let him conquer that stage.
Nevertheless, it lastly seems like Bobby Barrels has recaptured that magic which made him so extremely touted. I nonetheless have some questions on how a lot juice is within the bat, he’s on monitor to being a productive participant. He in all probability received’t dwell as much as the hype he had earlier than the commerce, however Hassell ought to be a longtime large leaguer. He performs a very good centerfield and is an above common runner.
That athleticism and really feel to hit will make him an enormous leaguer. The one query now’s can he keep wholesome for a full season, and may he faucet into any energy. It’s straightforward to overlook that he’s nonetheless 23 years previous. Regardless of two troublesome and harm plagued seasons, this Spring Coaching run is exhibiting me that I can’t stop Bobby Barrels simply but.
