Trade rumors surrounding MacKenzie Gore are heating up again as the offseason approaches. The Nationals came close to moving their 26-year-old ace at the trade deadline but ultimately held off. Recent reports suggest a deal this offseason remains likely.
MLB insider Jon Heyman mentioned in a live stream that he wouldn’t be surprised if Gore is traded and even suggested the Nationals should consider it. While trading a rising left-handed starter might seem counterintuitive, there are key factors at play. Gore becomes a free agent after the 2027 season, leaving just two years of team control. Nationals GM Paul Toboni faces a choice: try to compete in that window with Gore or trade him for a prospect-heavy package to boost long-term rebuilding efforts. With super-agent Scott Boras representing him, an extension seems unlikely.
Heyman isn’t alone in speculating about a Gore trade. Jim Bowden included him among 10 potential offseason trade candidates, noting that it may only be a matter of time before Toboni begins shopping him. Bowden also pointed to the Red Sox as a potential destination, as they need a solid No. 2 starter behind Garrett Crochet. Toboni’s familiarity with Boston’s farm system could help target valuable prospects, even if they aren’t the highest-rated. Heyman also mentioned the Astros, though their farm system is relatively weak.
A potential trade package for Gore might not be as strong as it could have been at the deadline. Teams now get only two years of control instead of three, and Gore’s second-half struggles—posting a 6.75 ERA after the All-Star break—may raise concerns. Still, his strikeout ability and remaining team control could fetch a top-100 prospect plus additional pieces. For Boston, a package including Connelly Early, Luis Perales, and Mikey Romero could make sense, though Toboni likely has deeper insight into hidden gems. The Astros’ top prospects, Brice Matthews and Jacob Melton, are less compelling.
Gore’s value will be closely watched. At his best, he’s a dominant strikeout pitcher, but he has yet to sustain that success for a full season. Some teams may believe they can unlock his full potential.
In the end, a trade this offseason seems plausible. The Nationals likely should have acted at the deadline, but the absence of a full-time GM complicated matters. With limited playoff chances and no path to extend Gore, trading him may be the clearest route forward. It also signals a restart of the Nationals’ rebuild, which has stalled, and a recognition that their previous plan isn’t working before even more young talent is moved.
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