Robert Hassell: Everything you need to know

The Nationals optioned Hassell to Triple-A Rochester on Thursday. The 24-year-old struggled to a .223/.257/.315 slash line in 70 games as a rookie last season and was expected to open 2025 as Washington's No. 4 outfielder, but the organization is instead sending him to the minors to presumably ensure that he gets everyday playing time to start 2026. Hassell should get another look in the big leagues at some point this season, especially if he replicates the .839 OPS he posted with Rochester last year.

Hassell went 1-for-3 with a stolen base in Tuesday's Grapefruit League game against the Cardinals. Hassell showed off his defensive versatility, playing all three outfield spots over the course of the game. The 24-year-old will likely open the season as the Nationals' fourth outfielder behind James Wood, Dylan Crews and Jacob Young, and if Young's weak bat costs him playing time, Hassell would be the most likely beneficiary. He's far from a finished product, however, batting .286 (8-for-28) this spring with one double, two steals in four attempts, and a sketchy 1:9 BB:K.

Hassell is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the White Sox. Though he had started in both of the Nationals' previous two matchups with right-handed pitchers, the left-handed-hitting Hassell will sit against White Sox righty Shane Smith in the season finale. Jacob Young will get the nod in center field in Hassell's stead.