Padres Take Outfielder Robert Hassell with Eighth Overall Pick in 2020 MLB Draft

With the eighth overall pick in the 2020 MLB Draft the San Diego Padres took outfielder Robert Hassell III out of Franklin, Tenn.

After a very interesting start to the 2020 MLB Draft, the San Diego Padres had some great players to choose from at eighth overall.

And they were the first team to take a high school player in the 2020 MLB Draft in taking Robert Hassell III.

I’ll be honest and tell you I don’t know much about Hassell as we don’t have much video from high school players this year.

Hassell was committed to play at Vanderbilt, one of the best college baseball programs in the country and a school known for producing some of the best pitchers.

The 6-foot-2, 190-pound left-handed hitter is said to be one of the best pure hitters from the high school ranks, according to MLB.com.

Hassell compares his style to Christian Yelich with his lean frame and left-handed swing.

On the MLB Network broadcast, another comp given for him was Andrew Benintendi.

I’d be more than pleased if he turns out to be as good as either of those players; although I’d certainly prefer Yelich.

As with most high school players, you’re hoping he grows into some power. But it sounds like the bat is legit and he’s going to hit.

Some of the other players the Padres could have taken with this pick includes high school outfielder Zac Veen, high school pitcher Mick Abel, college outfielder Garrett Mitchell, and college pitcher Reid Detmers.

I probably would have preferred they take any of those guys over Hassell, but that doesn’t mean I don’t like the pick.

It’s always risky taking high school players. And when you use a top 10 pick on one, you better be absolutely sure this kid is going to become a big league contributor.

The Padres already have one of the best farm systems in all of baseball and this only improves on the talent they have with MacKenzie Gore, Luis Patino, Taylor Trammell, CJ Abrams, and others.

Their next pick will also come on Wednesday with the 34th overall pick. Stay tuned as we continue to update you on each pick from the 2020 MLB Draft for the Padres.