Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
Key Takeaways
- MacKenzie Gore, the All-Star pitcher for the Washington Nationals, is a top trade candidate ahead of the 2025 MLB deadline.
- The Nationals are open to offers but prefer to retain Gore, citing a high asking price centered on top prospects like Matt Shaw.
- Teams like the Chicago Cubs and New York Yankees are among the prominent suitors showing interest.
- The trade negotiations involve a complex balance of team rebuilding strategies and potential blockbuster deals.
- Fans and analysts are divided on whether the Nationals should trade Gore or build around him for the future.
Table of Contents
Why Is MacKenzie Gore in the Trade Spotlight?
What Would It Take to Land Gore?
What This Means for Fans and MLB Landscape
Why Is MacKenzie Gore in the Trade Spotlight?
MacKenzie Gore, the Washington Nationals’ star pitcher, has become a focal point of intense trade rumors ahead of the 2025 MLB trade deadline. Despite a recent difficult outing—where he allowed six earned runs over 5.1 innings against the Houston Astros—his high value keeps him highly sought after by contenders looking to strengthen their pitching staff before the deadline[1][4].
The Nationals’ interim GM Mike DeBartolo has expressed a desire to hold onto Gore and the team’s young core, indicating that trading their top talent is not the current plan. However, he remains open to considering offers if teams come forward with attractive packages[1].
Which Teams Are Interested?
Prominent suitors include the Chicago Cubs, who need starting pitching depth and might offer a package from their prospect-rich farm system. The New York Yankees are also reportedly eyeing Nationals pitchers, including Gore, to bolster their rotation for a playoff push[1][2].
What Would It Take to Land Gore?
Washington’s asking price is described as “astronomical”, making any deal a potential blockbuster. A key player the Nationals reportedly want in return is third baseman Matt Shaw, though he is not currently available in trade talks. This high demand reflects Gore’s value as both an ace and a player with team control similar to high-profile trades like Juan Soto’s[2].
The Debate: Trade or Keep?
Analysts and fans are divided. Some believe the Nationals should hold onto Gore to maintain a competitive core long-term, while others argue that trading him now could yield a large package of prospects that accelerates the rebuild[3].
What This Means for Fans and MLB Landscape
For Nationals fans, the tension between hope and realism grows as the deadline nears. For the larger MLB community, Gore’s potential trade could reshape contender rotations and shift the balance of power heading into the final stretch of the season.
FAQ
Will MacKenzie Gore be traded before the deadline?
The outcome remains uncertain. While interest from teams like the Cubs and Yankees is strong, the Nationals’ high asking price and the team’s stance on not wanting to trade Gore suggest that his fate will depend on the offers received and negotiations until the deadline.
What is the Nationals’ asking price for Gore?
The Nationals’ asking price is described as “astronomical”, with a preference for top prospects like Matt Shaw. This high valuation makes any trade involving Gore a potential blockbuster.