An article series in which Ryan Epperson (@ppenayr) looks at prospects off the radar, whether up-and-coming or those whose shine may have come off due to poor play or injuries.
Fantasy baseball player since 2004 with a focus on dynasty since 2010 | Unfortunate Pirates fan | Writing about dynasty baseball since 2022 | Surgery helper-outer
Welcome back, everyone, to the next edition of the immensely popular (at least that’s what my mom says ) “Under the Radar!” As a refresher, or if this is your first time reading this series, I’ll look at some lesser-known prospects or guys you may have forgotten about. This article series aims to find the next Heliot Ramos before he was Heliot Ramos, Crusher of Souls. The post-hype players, more or less. Today, I’ll look at the National League, highlighting one player from each division; Wednesday will be the American League.
I encourage reader feedback in the comments, good or bad.
Hassell has had an up-and-down career since being drafted as a prep hitter from Independence High School by the Padres in the first round of the 2020 draft. Known for his advanced feel to hit and plus speed, he hit the ground running for the Friars the first two years. He was the central piece coming back to the Nationals in the Juan Soto deal. Hassel has dealt with many injuries in his short career, which has limited him to under 450 games since being drafted. Upon arrival to the Nationals, there were some struggles, where the strikeouts increased, and hits weren’t falling to the tune of sub-.230 batting average after coming over. He suffered a broken hamate bone on his right wrist in the AFL after the 2022 season and never really got going the next year, experiencing pain for the majority of the year. The 2024 season saw him improve somewhat, hitting .271, but his season again was cut short by a wrist injury and groin strain.
Why it could work: He doesn’t have much home run potential, but his ability to drive the ball to all fields is intriguing, and he’s already hit a ball 110mph in this young season. In a perfect world, he remains healthy all year in Triple-A, and the adjustments he made at this past year’s AFL league follow him, where he had five home runs in 100 plate appearances. Hassell is now consciously trying to stay back on pitches and using his quick hands to drive the ball to all fields.
Why it could fall apart:
Injuries.
What does it mean fantasy-wise? Hassell III sits at 344 on our prospect list, but I’m guessing you can go out and acquire him for less than that if he isn’t on the waiver wire already. Flipping a pop-up DSL prospect or two for him would be a good idea. After two injury-laden seasons, the fantasy community has essentially forgotten Hassell. But I am encouraged by his AFL performance, and he’s still young enough that there can be another step forward here. If things pan out, you’re looking at a low-teens homerun guy with 30+ steal ability that should give you a good batting average and OBP.
Fantasy baseball player since 2004 with a focus on dynasty since 2010 | Unfortunate Pirates fan | Writing about dynasty baseball since 2022 | Surgery helper-outer
A Giants fan living in San Diego, been playing fantasy baseball since 2005 and dynasty since 2021. Started the Dynasty Baseball Pickups podcast in June 2023 and joined Prospects Live in March of 2024.
Dynasty player of 10+ years. Helping you find the building blocks of your championship rosters as a co-host on the Dynasty Baseball Pickups podcast since mid-season 2023, joined Prospects Live at the start of 2024.
Director of Dynasty Content - Canadian born and raised, moved to Arkansas with my wife and two sons Ezra and Ari. Followed and played baseball my whole life; played dynasty for 25+ years.
Director of Amateur Scouting, proud to lead and share the team's work. | Check out Path to the Show on Bally Sports Live and College Baseball Now everywhere! | Grateful for family, the Vols, and everyone who reads Prospects Live. | For His Glory.
