The San Diego Padres selected high school outfielder Robert Hassell III with the eighth overall selection in the 2020 MLB draft.
He will join a very strong San Diego farm system and should cash in most if not all of the $5,176,900 slot money for the eighth overall pick.
Robert Hassell III is committed to Vanderbilt however this high draft position and the singing bonus to follow will lead him to forgo his playing career for his hometown Commodores for a future as a San Diego outfielder. The 18-year-old left-handed outfielder is one of the top high school hitting prospects in the draft and great addition to the Padres organization.
The Franklin, Tenn. native has enough speed to play anywhere in the outfield with an uphill stroke that lends itself to power potential from his easy looking left-handed swing.
Hassell was also a pitcher in high school with a fastball that reached the 90s but there’s no reason for the Padres to develop him as anything but a starting outfielder. Hassell finished his junior season in high school hitting .423 with 14 home runs and 22 stolen bases. He was also staked to a 1.07 ERA, 113 strikeouts and 21 walks in 59 innings pitched.
Vanderbilt is losing a star player from their backyard but Hassell will provide Padres fans hope for a future starting outfielder with great range and a plus-arm.
