The Boston Red Sox have been relatively quiet this offseason-at least compared to the fireworks coming from the rest of the AL East. While teams like the Blue Jays and Orioles are aggressively retooling, Boston has made a few tweaks but nothing that moves the needle in a big way. That might be about to change.
All signs are pointing toward a potential splash, and one name gaining traction is Washington Nationals left-hander MacKenzie Gore. The 25-year-old southpaw has been one of the more intriguing arms in the National League, and he could be exactly what Boston’s rotation needs heading into 2026.
Let’s break down why Gore makes so much sense for the Red Sox-and what it would take to land him.
Why Gore Fits the Red Sox Rotation
In 2025, Gore put together a solid campaign on the mound, finishing with a 4.17 ERA, 185 strikeouts, and a 1.353 WHIP over 159 innings. But those season-long numbers don’t tell the full story.
In the first half, Gore was dealing-posting a 3.08 ERA and racking up 138 strikeouts. That kind of front-line production is exactly what Boston could use to stabilize a rotation that showed flashes last year but lacked consistency at the top.
Gore’s profile is built for Fenway success: a power lefty with swing-and-miss stuff, a competitive edge, and the ability to eat innings. He’s not just a short-term rental either-he’s under team control, which gives Boston some breathing room as they continue to develop their young arms and build for sustained success.
A Perfect Match with Andrew Bailey
One of the more underrated storylines of Boston’s 2025 season was the impact of pitching coach Andrew Bailey. Several starters took noticeable steps forward under his guidance, whether it was refining pitch mix, improving command, or simply gaining confidence on the mound.
Now imagine Gore-who’s already shown top-of-the-rotation flashes-getting a full offseason and spring training to work with Bailey. That’s a pairing with serious upside. Bailey’s ability to unlock more from Gore’s arsenal could be the difference between a good pitcher and a great one.
The Prospect Capital Is There
The Red Sox aren’t short on assets, either. Their farm system has quietly built up enough depth to swing a deal for a pitcher of Gore’s caliber without completely gutting their future. That’s key, especially in a division where every team is loading up and there’s little room for error.
If Boston wants to keep pace-not just in the Wild Card race, but in the AL East-they’ll need to make a move that signals intent. Gore would do just that.
He’s young, controllable, and already proven he can handle big-league lineups. Add him to a staff that’s already trending upward, and suddenly the Red Sox look a lot more dangerous.
Time to Act
The clock is ticking. As other teams continue to shop aggressively, the market for frontline starters is thinning out.
If the Red Sox want Gore-and all indications suggest he’s a top target-they’ll need to move quickly. Waiting too long could mean watching another team swoop in and land a potential difference-maker.
This is a pivotal moment for Boston’s front office. After a 2025 season that ended with just one playoff win, there’s a clear desire to take the next step. A move for MacKenzie Gore wouldn’t just be a response to what the rest of the division is doing-it would be a statement that the Red Sox aren’t content with being a step behind.
And for a fan base hungry for postseason success, that kind of message would go a long way.