The San Francisco Giants wrapped up their 2025 campaign with an 81-81 record - the very definition of average. While their offense showed signs of life thanks to some key upgrades, it’s clear the next step for this team is on the mound. The rotation needs reinforcements, and one intriguing name being floated as a potential solution is Washington Nationals left-hander MacKenzie Gore.
Gore, a 27-year-old former top prospect and All-Star, has flashed the kind of electric stuff that front offices dream about. He’s under team control for a couple more seasons and brings a high-octane fastball-curveball combo that helped him post an 80th percentile strikeout rate last season. That kind of swing-and-miss profile doesn’t just play - it thrives, especially in October.
The Giants are reportedly eyeing international free agent Tatsuya Imai, but whether the front office, led by Buster Posey, is ready to spend at that level remains unclear. If they decide to pivot, Gore would be a strong alternative - and a more controllable one. With Robbie Ray entering free agency next winter, the Giants would be wise to get ahead of their rotation needs now rather than scramble later.
Let’s talk about the numbers. Gore finished 2025 with a 4.17 ERA, 185 strikeouts, and a 1.353 WHIP over 159 innings.
On the surface, that ERA might not jump off the page, but dig a little deeper and there’s plenty to like. In the first half of the season, Gore looked every bit the frontline arm, putting up a 3.08 ERA and racking up 138 strikeouts.
That’s ace-level production over a significant stretch.
So, what happened in the second half? Some fatigue, some inconsistency - things that aren’t unusual for a young pitcher still learning how to navigate a full season at the highest level.
But the talent is undeniable. Gore’s fastball has late life, and his curveball is a true out pitch.
When he’s locked in, hitters are guessing - and usually guessing wrong.
For the Giants, the appeal here is obvious. Logan Webb remains the anchor of the rotation, and when healthy, Robbie Ray gives them a strong one-two punch.
But beyond that, the depth thins out quickly. Gore could slot in as the No. 3 starter right away, giving San Francisco a playoff-caliber trio.
And with less pressure to carry the staff, Gore might finally be in the right environment to take the next step.
Sometimes, what a young pitcher needs most is a change of scenery - not because things are broken, but because the expectations shift. In Washington, Gore was expected to be the guy. In San Francisco, he’d have time to develop behind established arms, learn from veterans, and grow into a frontline role without being rushed.
The Giants aren’t far off from being a serious contender again. Their offense is coming together, their bullpen has shown flashes, and the core pieces are in place. What they need now is that third dependable starter - someone who can take the ball in a postseason series and give them a shot.
Gore checks a lot of those boxes. He’s young, controllable, and has already shown he can dominate. If the Giants are serious about making a push in 2026, this is the kind of move that could quietly set them up for something bigger.