Padres select prep star Robert Hassell III No. 8 overall

With the eighth pick of the 2020 MLB Draft, the San Diego Padres selected Robert Hassell III, a prep outfielder out of Independence High School in Tennessee. He's the first high school player off the board.

Hassell, a Vanderbilt commit, will likely be forced to abandon his two-way stardom in pro ball, as his ceiling is much higher as a hitter than as a pitcher.

He's also got some skills on the basketball court.

Bio

Age: 19
Position: OF
Height/Weight: 6-foot-2, 195 lbs
Bats/Throws: L/L
School: Independence HS
NCAA commit: Vanderbilt
Pick value: $5,176,900

Tools

• Top-ranked hitter in prep class
• Solid all-around plate approach with decent power
• Above-average speed
• Good arm strength

Why you're going to love this guy

• World Baseball Softball Confederation's 2019 International Player of the Year
• Led America with .514/.548/.886 in U-18 World Cup
• Very few holes in swing for high-school hitter
• Draws comparisons to Jarred Kelenic, Riley Greene

Things he'll need to overcome

• Sells out for power at times
• Might get stuck in corner outfield unless fielding improves

Take a look ...