The Washington Nationals are in the middle of a reset, and as their front office reshapes the roster, one name keeps surfacing in trade conversations: MacKenzie Gore. With just two years of team control left, Gore is a logical trade chip-especially given the way the starting pitching market is already heating up. A few potential suitors have already made moves that likely take them out of the running, but several teams still make a lot of sense as landing spots for the talented lefty.
New York Mets: A Risky Call With High Reward
Trading within the division always comes with an added layer of risk, but the Mets and Nationals could be a match here. New York’s pitching staff collapsed down the stretch last season.
Starters wore down, the bullpen faltered, and the lack of depth became painfully clear. Despite a few offseason moves, the Mets haven’t addressed their rotation in a meaningful way.
That’s where Gore comes in.
Gore would give the Mets a controllable, proven arm-something they desperately need. He’s not an ace, but he’s a reliable middle-of-the-rotation starter with the potential to be more. And with the Mets’ deep farm system, the Nationals could get real value in return.
Upper-level arms like Jonah Tong and Brandon Sproat could help Washington as soon as next season. Both have the stuff and the polish to compete for big-league innings.
On the position player side, prospects like Jacob Reimer and A.J. (full name not specified) offer upside and fit the Nationals’ long-term needs. If Washington is looking to stockpile talent that can contribute soon, the Mets have the goods to get a deal done.
San Francisco Giants: Adding Upside to a Solid Rotation
The Giants have already added Tyler Mahle and Adrian Houser this offseason, but let’s be honest-those aren’t needle-moving additions. If San Francisco wants to seriously contend, especially in a loaded NL West, they need more upside in the rotation. Gore could be that guy.
He’d slot in nicely alongside Logan Webb and a healthy Robbie Ray, giving the Giants a more dynamic front three. And while San Francisco’s farm system isn’t elite, it’s not without intriguing pieces.
Bo Davidson is one name to watch. The AA outfielder posted a .913 OPS in High-A last season and could be a key piece in any return package.
Then there’s Carson Whisenhunt, a lefty who’s already made his MLB debut. He could step into Gore’s role almost immediately, giving the Nationals a quick replacement with long-term upside.
There’s also the local angle with Bryce Eldridge, the former Madison High School standout. Bringing him back to the DMV would be a fan-favorite move-he’s a power-hitting first baseman with serious potential-but at this point, there’s no real smoke linking him to a deal.
Still, it’s worth keeping an eye on. Sometimes these things move fast, just like the Nationals’ surprise deal for Harry Ford not too long ago.
Baltimore Orioles: Beltway Business Makes Sense
A Nationals-Orioles trade? It’s not as far-fetched as it might sound.
The Orioles are in win-now mode and have already made moves to bolster their pitching staff, bringing in Shane Baz and Zach Eflin. But if they want to take the AL East, they’ll need more than that.
Another impact starter like Gore could be the missing piece.
The Orioles have a surplus of position player talent and not enough roster spots to go around. That’s where the Nationals could come in.
A player like Coby Mayo, who doesn’t have a clear path to everyday at-bats in Baltimore, would be a strong fit in Washington. He brings power and infield versatility-two things the Nats could use.
Outfielders Enrique Bradfield Jr. and Dylan Beavers are also intriguing targets. Both are true prospects with tools and upside, and either could headline a package for Gore.
For the Orioles, it’s a chance to turn prospect depth into playoff-ready pitching. For the Nationals, it’s a way to add high-ceiling talent to a rebuilding roster.
The Clock Is Ticking
The Nationals have options, but they also have a deadline of sorts. The starting pitching market is moving quickly, and once teams fill their rotation holes, opportunities like this could dry up.
Gore’s value is high now-controllable left-handed starters with experience don’t come around often. If Washington wants to maximize their return, the time to act is now.
Whether it’s a bold move within the division, a West Coast swap, or a cross-Beltway deal, the Nationals are in a strong position. Gore might not be part of their long-term future, but he could be the key to building it.