Nationals Expected to Move MacKenzie Gore This Winter
The Cubs are heavily involved in the free agent starting pitching market, but moving prospects for a front-line arm may be wise. The trade rumors are starting to pick up with the Winter Meetings only a few days away, and one of the biggest names being mentioned is MacKenzie Gore. Jed Hoyer showed interest in acquiring the southpaw at the trade deadline, but high trade prices steered the Cubs away from making a deal with the Nationals.
Gore posted a 3.80 ERA in 22 starts prior to the deadline, then struggled with a 5.40 ERA over his last eight outings. By no means is ERA the only stat that should be looked at when investigating a pitcher’s talent, but that’s a big increase after being such a hot commodity. Though Gore has yet to live up to his immense potential, he’ll only be 27 next season and still has two years of club control via arbitration. With the Nationals seeking to improve their roster under new management, he seems likely to be with a new team for 2026.
A move could even happen during the Winter Meetings, as Buster Olney reported on Friday that Gore “will definitely be among those moved in the days ahead.” Whether the Cubs will be involved again this time around depends on how far the cost has fallen. The Nats were reportedly asking for Matt Shaw and Cade Horton back in July, which is why no agreement was reached.
Horton obviously isn’t being traded, and Shaw feels safe as well unless Alex Bregman becomes a serious option. And since that won’t be happening in the next few days, Shaw probably isn’t a factor. Would the Nationals be interested in Jaxon Wiggins or Owen Caissie? It would be understandable if the Cubs didn’t want to empty the farm for a starter who hasn’t been very consistent over the past year or two.
Gore is still a solid starter who can net the Cubs more wins, which is what this is all about, but other teams feel like more likely landing spots. Either way, this is something to keep an eye on as executives and agents make their way down to Orlando for the Winter Meetings.
