Juan Soto Trade Piece Robert Hassell III Joins Pirates

The Pittsburgh Pirates have acquired outfielder Robert Hassell III, a key piece from the blockbuster Juan Soto trade, from the Washington Nationals. The deal, announced on July 17, 2026, sends Hassell to Pittsburgh in exchange for cash considerations or a player to be named later. Hassell, originally part of the Padres' package in the 2022 Soto trade, now joins the Pirates as they look to bolster their outfield depth.

What happened in the trade?

The Nationals designated Hassell for assignment on July 5, 2026, and he cleared waivers on July 12. Washington then outrighted him to Triple-A Rochester. Since he wasn’t on the Nationals’ 40-man roster at the time of the trade, he won’t be on the Pirates’ 40-man roster immediately. This move comes as the Pirates continue to reshape their roster ahead of the trade deadline.

Why it matters for Juan Soto

Hassell was one of the top prospects sent to the Padres in the 2022 trade that brought Juan Soto to Washington. While Soto has since moved on to the Yankees, this trade serves as a reminder of the long-term impact of that blockbuster deal. The Pirates acquiring Hassell could be seen as a nod to Soto’s legacy, as they now have a player who was once part of the package that brought Soto to the Nationals.

What comes next for Hassell?

Hassell will likely start with the Pirates’ Triple-A affiliate, the Indianapolis Indians, as he works his way back to the majors. The Pirates have been active in the trade market, and this move could be a precursor to more deals before the deadline. For Hassell, this is an opportunity to revive his career with a new organization, while for the Pirates, it’s a chance to add a talented outfielder with potential.

The trade also highlights the ripple effects of the Soto deal, which continues to shape MLB rosters years later. As the Pirates look to improve their outfield, they now have a player who was once part of one of the most significant trades in recent memory.