Padres select CF Robert Hassell III with the 8th-overall pick in the 2020 MLB Draft

With the 8th-overall pick in the 2020 MLB Draft, the San Diego Padres selected Robert Hassell out of Independence High School in Tennessee. Hassell III is currently committed to play collegiately at Vanderbilt.

For the first time in the 56 year history of the MLB Draft, no high school player was selected in the top seven picks. The 6’2, 190-pound center fielder became the first prep player to come off the board Wednesday night, beating out right fielder Zac Veen who was consistently taken in the top five of mock drafts leading up to tonight.

Here’s what CBS Sports’ R.J Anderson had to say about Hassell III who was ranked as the 20th-best player in this year’s class:

“Hassell, another well-regarded Vanderbilt commitment, is a legit prospect as a pitcher and outfielder. Evaluators favor him at the plate, where he employs an aesthetically pleasing left-handed swing that some believe will eventually produce above-average power. He has some backers in the industry who think he could become the best hitter in the class, and it shouldn’t surprise anyone if he goes higher than expected come draft day.”

As a junior in high school, his last full season at the prep level, he batted .423 with 14 home runs. He also took home the last two Player of the Year honors in Tennessee.

Per AJ Cassavell, team sources expect Hassell III to stick at center field although Hassell III believes he could be equally effective at all three spots in the outfield.