Washington Nationals ace Mackenzie Gore has emerged as one of the most sought-after pitchers leading up to this year’s MLB trade deadline. With his elite left-handed pitching and contract control through 2027, several teams including Boston, Chicago, San Diego, New York, and Los Angeles are positioned as top contenders to land him, making these Mackenzie Gore trade deadline destinations particularly intriguing.
Five Possible Teams Interested in Acquiring Mackenzie Gore
Since his All-Star recognition in 2025, Mackenzie Gore’s combination of strikeout dominance and youth has made him a prized asset, despite the Nationals’ reluctance to trade him publicly. His 138 strikeouts in 19 starts highlight his high upside, aligning with several teams’ needs for front-line pitching. Below are five realistic destinations where Gore’s talents and contract could match team priorities and rebuilding strategies, along with potential trade components tailored to each club.
Boston Red Sox: Strengthening Their Rotation with Young Talent
The Red Sox remain one of the most logical suitors for Gore, as Boston looks to bolster its pitching staff to complement an established offensive core. Gore could immediately slot into the rotation, providing a powerful left-handed presence behind Garrett Crochet. Proposed trade packages involve promising names such as Wilyer Abreu, ranked among Boston’s top prospects, Franklin Arias, their number two prospect, and left-hander Payton Tolle. Alternatively, former All-Star outfielder Jarren Duran could substitute for Abreu in some scenarios, giving the Nationals options between an emerging star and a Gold Glove-caliber outfielder.
Wilyer Abreu’s reactions to trade rumors signal the seriousness of Boston’s intentions.
Chicago Cubs: Combining Prospect Depth and Immediate Pitching Needs
The Cubs represent a compelling offer with both immediate pitching needs and a rich farm system to meet the Nationals’ demands. Chicago’s chief motivation is acquiring ace-level starting pitching, paired with young talent to develop. Potential trade candidates include Matt Shaw, right-hander Cade Horton, and catcher Moisés Ballesteros, who stands as Chicago’s top prospect. This package balances Washington’s desire for future value while addressing their current team direction.
San Diego Padres: Reconnecting with a Former Prospect to Boost Contention
Having grown up in the Padres’ system, Gore holds a special connection with San Diego fans. The Padres continue to seek affordable rotation improvements to maintain competitiveness. A trade here might feature prospects like Leo De Vries and Ethan Salas, along with mid-level pitching prospects, to form a balanced exchange that fits both teams’ competitive windows and rebuild timelines.
New York Yankees: Anchoring a Rotation Around a Prime Core
The Yankees, with Aaron Judge at his peak, aim to reinforce their rotation for sustained domination while preparing for future championship runs. Gore’s contract appeal, extending through 2027, aligns with New York’s long-range plans. Potential trade combinations could include a mix of top prospects and near-MLB-ready players such as Anthony Volpe and Oswald Peraza, alongside George Lombard Jr. and Spencer Jones, offering both immediate and future upside for the Nationals.
“Ladies and gentlemen, we present to you George Lombard Jr.
He’s the @Yankees top prospect and he can win games by making jump throws.”
—Somerset Patriots (@SOMPatriots)
This public praise highlights Lombard Jr.’s highly regarded potential within the Yankees’ system, making him a key bargaining chip in any deal.
Los Angeles Dodgers: A Win-Now Approach with Prospect Depth
The Dodgers have the payroll flexibility and veteran foundation to aggressively pursue Gore. Their focus on immediate contention fits well with acquiring a left-handed ace under control. Los Angeles could offer prospects such as Dalton Rushing, who can play catcher, first base, or outfield, and left-hander Jackson Ferris, ranked sixth in their system. This combination of players provides readiness and depth aligned with Washington’s timeline for rebuilding.
“Jackson Ferris get the LFG Award of the Day.
7IP 3H 0R 7Ks 1BB
Fastball was consistently hitting 96, and he wore the Northwest Arkansas hitters out riding it at the top of the zone.
Off speed was pretty much exactly 10 off, which is perfect.”
—Dodgers Daily (@dodger_daily)
Ferris’s strong recent performances underline his potential as a key prospect in any trade discussions involving the Dodgers and Nationals.
Potential Frameworks for Trade Negotiations
The Nationals face a critical decision as the deadline approaches, balancing the need to rebuild with the value Mackenzie Gore commands. Each of these five clubs offers distinct advantages—ranging from different mixes of draft capital, MLB-ready talent, and organizational strategy. Gore’s strikeout ability and contractual control make him a rare asset for teams looking to solidify their rotations now or for the next few years.
If Washington chooses to trade Gore, expect intense negotiations involving robust prospect packages aimed at propelling the Nationals’ future competitiveness, while reshaping the immediate playoff landscape for the acquiring teams. As July advances, these Mackenzie Gore trade deadline destinations remain at the forefront of MLB chatter, promising to shake up the league’s playoff race and prospect markets alike.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Mackenzie Gore any good?
A. MacKenzie Gore has become the star pitcher that fans expected. He ranks second in strikeouts, among the top 10 for innings pitched, and has an impressive 3.09 ERA over 17 starts.
Q. How good is MacKenzie Gore?
A. He truly earned his place as an all-star, boasting a 3.02 ERA and a 2.91 FIP. Gore is now striking out more players than before, while giving up fewer walks. His impressive 11.26 strikeouts per nine innings and 2.85 walks per nine innings show he’s performing above average. This pitcher has definitely improved his skills significantly.
Q. What were MacKenzie Gore’s stats in high school?
A. In his junior year, he achieved a 12–1 record with a 0.08 ERA, earning 174 strikeouts over 88⅓ innings. During that season, he pitched a no-hitter and struck out 18 batters. He helped Whiteville reach the 1A state championship four times, winning three, and was named MVP each time.