Cubs Eyeing MacKenzie Gore as Winter Meetings Heat Up - Could a Deal Spark a Domino Effect?
As the MLB Winter Meetings get underway in Orlando, all eyes are on the Chicago Cubs and their pursuit of starting pitching - and one name is quickly rising to the top of the rumor mill: MacKenzie Gore.
The Washington Nationals left-hander, once a top prospect and now a 26-year-old All-Star, is reportedly on the trade block, and multiple front offices around the league believe a deal could be imminent. According to league insiders, there’s growing belief that Gore is among the likeliest players to be moved in the coming days, and that’s significant news for a Cubs team that’s made pitching its top offseason priority.
Cubs’ Pitching Focus Sharpens
The Cubs have already been linked to several arms this offseason. They were reportedly in on Dylan Cease before pivoting to Japanese right-hander Tatsuya Imai. But with the market still wide open, they’re keeping tabs on the trade front - and Gore is a name they’ve circled before.
Back in July, the Cubs were connected to Gore ahead of the trade deadline. At the time, the asking price was steep.
Reports suggested the Nationals wanted rookie third baseman Matt Shaw, and there was also chatter about top prospects Cade Horton and Owen Caissie being in the mix. Ultimately, no deal materialized, and Gore stayed put in D.C.
But things have shifted since then. Gore’s second half of the season was rocky - his production dipped post-All-Star break, and he ended the year sidelined with an ankle injury. That combination could force the Nationals to lower their asking price, especially now that Gore is a year older and coming off a less-than-stellar finish.
What Gore Brings - and Why He Fits in Chicago
Despite the late-season slide, there’s no denying Gore’s upside. He’s a lefty with electric stuff, high strikeout potential, and two more years of team control. That last part is key - Gore is projected to earn $4.7 million in arbitration for 2026, making him a cost-effective option compared to the top-tier free agents on the market, who could command $25 million or more annually.
For a Cubs front office that’s shown a willingness to spend - but also values flexibility - Gore could be the kind of high-ceiling, mid-cost addition that opens doors elsewhere on the roster. He also feels like the type of pitcher who could benefit from a change of scenery and thrive in Chicago’s pitching development system, which has quietly become one of the league’s more respected labs for refining arms.
The Bigger Picture: A Gore Trade Could Spark a Chain Reaction
Even if the Cubs don’t land Gore, his potential move could still impact their offseason. A trade involving Gore could set the market for other available starters - names like Joe Ryan and Edward Cabrera have also surfaced as possible trade candidates - and force teams to either meet high asking prices or pivot to free agency.
That’s where things could get even more interesting for the Cubs. If the trade market proves too rich, President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer might shift gears and make a run at one of the top free agent arms. The front office is reportedly more inclined to spend this offseason, and missing out on Gore could be the push they need to move aggressively.
If the Cubs Do Land Gore…
Now let’s entertain the possibility that the Cubs pull the trigger and bring Gore to Wrigley. That gives them a controllable, front-line-caliber arm at a fraction of the cost of the top free agents. The savings could then allow the Cubs to double down and pursue another big piece - perhaps a bat like Alex Bregman, who they’ve had interest in before and are reportedly eyeing again this winter.
Adding Gore wouldn’t just solidify the rotation - it could be the move that sets the tone for the rest of the offseason. It would give Chicago the flexibility to be aggressive elsewhere, whether that’s in the infield, bullpen, or outfield.
What’s Next?
Whether or not the Cubs land Gore, one thing’s clear: the next few days could reshape their offseason. With the Winter Meetings in full swing, trade talks are expected to ramp up quickly, and Gore’s name could be the first domino to fall.
For Cubs fans, buckle up. The front office is active, the pitching market is fluid, and if Gore is indeed on the move, Chicago will be right in the thick of it - one way or another.