Now that the Washington Nationals have built out their front office and hired a manager, they’re facing their first decision that will shape the winter. MacKenzie Gore is 26, left-handed, athletic, and throws a four-seam fastball that plays anywhere. He’s under club control through 2027, which only raises the price—that’s the point. If the Nationals want to supercharge a rebuild, this is the time to listen. MLB Trade Rumors named him the top trade candidate heading into the offseason.
Why teams call
Gore’s profile is built for 2026. He misses bats, limits damage, and takes the ball. The strikeout rate spiked this year, and the stuff held into the late innings. Even with some inconsistency, he showed long stretches where he looked like a No. 1. Contenders will believe they can tighten the mix and get the best version for a full season.
In 30 starts, he logged 159.2 innings with a 5–15 record, 4.17 ERA, 185 strikeouts, 64 walks, and a 1.35 WHIP. Per FanGraphs, his 2025 FIP was 3.74 with a 27.2% K rate, 9.4% BB rate,.325 BABIP, and 75.6% LOB%—skills that ran better than the ERA. Per Baseball Savant, opponents posted a 90.4 mph average exit velo, 44.1% hard-hit rate, and 10.6% barrel rate with a.328 xwOBA. Career-wise, he’s at 26–41 with a 4.19 ERA across 532.1 innings and 589 strikeouts; his career FIP is 4.02 (FanGraphs), a tick better than the surface.
What the ask looks like
Gore avoided arbitration in 2025 at $2.89 million and is projected to be around $4.7 million for 2026, with free agency after 2027—two cheap control years that boost his trade value (per Cot’s Baseball Contracts and MLBTR arb projections). For Washington, which is flush with young talent, the ask is a headliner prospect plus a second top-100 type or a young, controllable MLB piece. Gore’s age, health, and 2025 FIP give the Nats leverage to demand real upside. Think offers led by a blue-chip bat or catcher, paired with a near-ready arm or everyday-caliber position player, and likely a lottery-ticket sweetener.
Best fits today
The Dodgers are always in the hunt and the Yankees are in a win-now mode and could use a starter for the beginning of the season when Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodon will be on the injured list. This is a good plan for the Orioles, who desperately need rotation help and have the prospects to make a deal. The Astros love cost-controlled pitching and the Giants have struggled to land free agents, so this could be an ideal route. The Blue Jays and Mariners also need pitching.
Why the Nats might hold
You only trade this kind of arm if the deal sets you up for the future. A player-development push is underway in D.C., and they can build around Gore for two more seasons. If bids are thin, they can wait until the July deadline, when need spikes and prices rise.