Overview
- On July 5 the Nationals purchased right-hander Eddy Yean’s contract and placed outfielder Robert Hassell III on waivers by designating him for assignment.
- Designation for assignment gives Washington seven days to trade, release, or outright Hassell if he clears waivers and removes him from the 40-man roster.
- Hassell has struggled since the trade, hitting .215 with a .593 OPS at Triple-A Rochester in 2026 and slashing .223/.257/.315 in 70 big-league games in 2025.
- A crowded Nationals outfield featuring Daylen Lile, Jacob Young, James Wood and Dylan Crews and recent All-Star nods for James Wood and C.J. Abrams reduced Hassell’s opportunity in Washington.
- Because Hassell was a former Top-10 draft pick, he may draw trade or waiver interest and a change of scenery could be the most likely next step for his career.