The Nationals' left-handed pitcher, MacKenzie Gore, has been a hot topic of discussion among multiple clubs this winter. With a clear need for a rebuild, the Nationals' new leadership, Paul Toboni and Blake Butera, are facing a challenging task. The club's recent shakeup, including the departure of key figures like Mike Rizzo and Dave Martinez, signals a long-term vision rather than a quick return to contention.
Gore, at 26 years old and with two years until free agency, presents an intriguing opportunity. As a client of the renowned Scott Boras, an extension is unlikely, making him an attractive trade candidate. His projected salary of just $4.7MM, as estimated by MLBTR's Matt Swartz, adds to his appeal. Over the past two seasons, Gore has shown his worth, pitching 326 innings with a respectable 4.03 ERA for the Nationals.
But here's where it gets controversial... Gore's performance in 2025 was a tale of two halves. He started strong, with a 3.02 ERA before the All-Star break, and his strikeout rate was impressive, ranking him among the top pitchers in the league. However, injuries plagued his second half, with two stints on the injured list, and his ERA ballooned to 6.75 during that period.
Despite this, MLBTR ranked Gore as the top trade candidate for the offseason, and it's no surprise that Toboni has been discussing potential deals. The question remains: will Toboni find an offer he deems acceptable, or should he hold out for a better deal at the trade deadline?
Waiting until the deadline could give Toboni more time to assess his options and potentially increase Gore's trade value if he has a strong start to the 2026 campaign. On the other hand, Gore's value could decrease if he suffers an injury or fails to perform at an elite level early in the season.
The Nationals might also find themselves in a better negotiating position if other speculative trade candidates become less available. For instance, Sonny Gray has already been traded, and the Marlins' Sandy Alcantara and Edward Cabrera may not be on the block as initially expected.
For teams seeking pitching prospects, Gore is the prime choice. The Nationals, with their focus on long-term prospects, could find themselves in a strong position to acquire the talent they need to rebuild.
So, what do you think? Should the Nationals hold onto Gore or trade him now? The decision could shape the future of the franchise. Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
