Former Independence star Robert Hassell III part of Juan Soto trade, headed to Nationals

Former Independence standout and Vanderbilt signee Robert Hassell III was traded to the Washington Nationals as part of a deal that included Juan Soto, one of the best players in the majors. 

The trade, which was announced Tuesday, includes Soto and Josh Bell going to the San Diego Padres for Hassell, left-handed pitcher MacKenzie Gore, infielder C.J. Abrams, outfielder James Wood, right-handed pitcher Jarlin Susana and first baseman Luke Voit. 

Hassell, a 6-foot-2, 195-pound center fielder signed with Vanderbilt in 2020, but never played for the Commodores. Hassell was also named the Tennessee Gatorade Player of the Year before he was selected eighth overall by the Padres in the 2020 MLB Draft. 

Hassell also helped lead the USA Baseball 18U National team to a silver medal at the Baseball World Cup in 2019. He led the tournament in runs, hits and RBIs and was tied for the lead with two home runs.

Hassell was hitting .299 with 10 homers and 55 RBIs in 75 games with the Padres' Class A Fort Wayne Tin Caps.

Hassell later issued a few words in response to the trade and thanked the Nationals organization before making his way to Washington.

Dani Mohr is a trending sports writer for the South Region of USA Today Network based at The Tennessean in Nashville. Contact her at dmohr@gannett.com or follow her on Twitter @daniraemohr