2020 Draft Preview: Robert Hassell

• Name: Robert Hassell
• School: Independence High School (Signed with Vanderbilt)
• Position: Outfield
• Height/Weight: 6’2/195
• B/T: L/L
• D.O.B:08/15/01
• Previously Drafted: N/A

Scouting Report

When it comes to prep bats in the draft class of 2020, you won’t find a better one than Robert Hassell. A smooth stroke from the left side of the plate and the hand eye coordination to consistently put the barrel on the ball makes Hassell one of the more intriguing prep players in the class. MLB Pipeline has Hassell ranked as the 15th best prospect in the upcoming draft class, slotted immediately after Ed Howard of Mt. Carmel.

Hassell has showed off his hit tool at every level he’s performed at. Hassell led the United States team in nearly every offensive category during the inaugural PDP league in June and July of last year. He slashed an impressive .514/.548/.886 during the U-18 World Cup in South Korea last summer as well. There is some question about Hassell’s ability to consistently hit for power, but some of his bigger supporters believe there is more power to unlock in his frame. But for the moment, Hassell seems to struggle when he attempts to hit for power and develops a bit of an uphill swing. He is at his best when he’s hitting line drives all over the field.

While he won’t be drafted as a pitcher, Hassell has also won awards as a pitcher. He was the 2019 Tennessee player of the year for his accomplishments on the mound. Sporting a 1.07 ERA and 113 strikeouts, to compliment his .410 batting average and 12 home runs from the plate. There are some questions about Hassell’s other tools and his fit long term in Center Field, but his bat and hit tool should be enough to get him selected in the first round on June 10th. Hassell plays at Independence High School in Thompson’s Station, Tennessee.

Hassell courtesy of ProspectsLive

Hassell from the Perfect Game National courtesy of 2080 Baseball

Here’s some video of Hassell with USA Baseball

Scouting Grades

These scouting grades are from MLB Pipeline. Hassell’s grades probably fluctuate across other publications.

Prospect Overview and Future Outlook

The most obvious tool that jumps off the screen with Hassell is his bat. As mentioned above, he has the potential to be an elite hitter for average and hit all over the field. There is a lot of debate over his power tool, with some scouts thinking he could unlock above average power potential but many believing he may top out at around 15 home runs a year.

Scouts debate about his ability to play in center. Many think his speed and field grades aren’t enough for him to stick in center. But with his 93 MPH fastball off of the mound, Hassell certainly has the arm to slot into right field should the need arise. That being said, as has been mentioned, his power tool is highly debated and makes it unclear if he will have the power to play a corner outfield at the major league level. But many of Hassell’s supporters argue that he has the tools to stick in center field and be an above average fielder at the position.

Hassell is a legitimate prospect as a pitcher as well. Winning the Tennessee baseball player of the year award in part because of his contributions on the mound. But with his hit tool, he is viewed as having a higher ceiling by staying in the field and working to unlock some of his other tools in terms of power and fielding. It is unlikely that Hassell rounds into the rare 5-tool prospect, but his tools are all at worst average, and if he improves on even one of them and finds a position to stick to, he could become a top of the lineup hitter for any team that drafts him.

Mock Draft Outcomes

Hassell’s mock draft outcomes vary slightly. In his latest mock draft, Jim Callis of MLB Pipeline has Hassell going at 10 to the Angels. Saying that he might even go as high as eight to the Padres. This would have Hassell off of the board by the time the White Sox picked. Eric Longenhangen of Fangraphs had Hassell going at 17 to the Red Sox, but wrote that he could potentially go as high as eight, once again to the Padres. MLB.com’s Jonathan Mayo has Hassell going at 10 to the Angels as well. Keith Law of The Athletic sends Robert Hassell to the Colorado Rockies at #9. In Kiley McDaniel’s mock draft at ESPN, Hassell becomes a member of the San Diego Padres. Carlos Collazo at Baseball America has Hassell to the Cincinnati Reds at #12 in his most recent update.

While his outcomes differ slightly from mock to mock, the consensus seems to be that Hassell will be a mid-first round pick, and could be on the board for the White Sox at 11. His mock outcomes are consistent with his MLB Pipeline ranking of number 15 in the class. Hassell is a bit of a wild card due to his raw tools, but many seem to think he could be a high pick if a team is looking to gamble on his potential.

Potential Fit with White Sox

Hassell could be a potentially interesting fit for the White Sox. While Luis Robert seems to have centerfield on lock for the foreseeable future, Hassell is young and has a high ceiling. He could potentially be a fit for the team at 11 as they are rumored to be interested in a prep bat. Should Hassell move over to right field, if he unlocked some of his raw power he could be a great fit in the Sox organization. There is also always the possibility he becomes a trade piece down the line as the team moves to contending.

The organizations current crop of outfield prospects has faltered as of late, and Hassell could be a high ceiling addition to the group. While he is still a number of years away from being ready for the jump to MLB, he could quickly rise the ranks and become a top prospect in the system. Hassell seems to be a logical choice at 11, should the team decide to pad areas of need. Hassell could be the best player available on the board at #11.

The White Sox haven’t selected a high school player since 2012 but that could change this year. Mike Shirley is the new director of amateur scouting and he seems to be willing to go the high school route. It’s unknown who the organization would prefer if going in the direction of a prep hitter but Robert Hassell could be the guy.

Photo credit: YouTube still/Prospects Live

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