With the Major League Baseball trade deadline set for July 31, teams are accelerating their efforts to finalize deals, and the Nationals have reportedly begun to entertain offers for left-handed pitcher MacKenzie Gore. This development adds intrigue to ongoing MacKenzie Gore trade deadline rumors, as Washington’s rebuild has produced several valuable assets, including Gore, outfielder James Wood, and infielder C.J. Abrams, all acquired in the Juan Soto trade. Despite the dismissal of former general manager Mike Rizzo, interim GM Mike DeBartolo is open to discussions, aiming to strengthen a roster still in need of significant improvement.
Gore, 26, has delivered a solid 3.59 ERA while striking out 140 batters over 112⅔ innings this season. He remains under team control and is not eligible for free agency until after 2028, making him an attractive asset for contending teams. Among potential suitors, the Chicago Cubs emerge prominently due to their demand for a top-tier starting pitcher, extensive minor league depth, and preference for left-handed starters in their rotation. Nonetheless, Gore’s talent and contract status mean multiple playoff contenders could pursue him to bolster their pitching staff.
Trading Gore is a long shot, yes, but interim GM Mike DeBartolo at very least is listening because A) that’s what good organizations do and B) the Nationals need a lot of help.
—ESPN report
Royals Seek Outfield Talent in Exchange for Seth Lugo
The Kansas City Royals appear open to trading All-Star pitcher Seth Lugo, who was a close runner-up in last season’s Cy Young Award race, but they expect to receive a controllable outfielder in return. According to The Athletic, Boston’s All-Star outfielder Jarren Duran could fit the Royals’ criteria.
Lugo, 35, carries a respectable 2.94 ERA through 18 starts this season and is signed for the remainder of the year with a $15 million player option for 2026. His contract situation presents an appealing opportunity for teams seeking either a valuable rental or a productive player who could be obtained affordably next year, as Lugo is likely to outperform his player option value.
Phillies Target Right-Handed Power Hitter Among Trade Options
The Philadelphia Phillies are reportedly interested in adding right-handed power to their outfield, with Rangers slugger Adolis García among the candidates. Although the Rangers sit just 1½ games shy of an AL wild card spot and recently won the World Series from a wild-card seed, ESPN sources indicate that García remains “in the mix” for Philadelphia, which needs to enhance its offensive consistency.
García is enduring his worst personal season aside from a brief 2020 appearance, but his prior displays of power make him a sensible target. The White Sox’s Luis Robert is another name mentioned in connection with the Phillies’ search for right-handed firepower to complement left-handed hitters like Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper, both key offensive figures. Strengthening the lineup with a potent right-handed bat could help Philadelphia balance its offense and improve its chances in a tightly contested playoff race.
Trade Deadline Moves Set to Define Playoff Contenders
As the July 31 deadline approaches, the Nationals’ willingness to listen on MacKenzie Gore underscores their ongoing rebuild and effort to address multiple roster weaknesses. Meanwhile, the Royals’ interest in outfielders for a top starting pitcher like Lugo signals a strategic approach to balance immediate competitiveness with future control. The Phillies’ pursuit of outfield power reflects their urgency to stabilize an inconsistent offense.
These negotiations illustrate the high stakes and complexity of the MLB trade market as teams weigh present needs versus long-term potential. The next week promises further developments as contending clubs and rebuilding franchises navigate the deadline to optimize their rosters for the second half of the season and beyond.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Mackenzie Gore any good?
A. MacKenzie Gore has finally become the star pitcher that Nationals fans expected. He ranks second in baseball for strikeouts and is in the top 10 for innings pitched. Gore also boasts an impressive 3.09 ERA over 17 games.
Q. How good is MacKenzie Gore?
A. He truly earned his all-star status with a 3.02 ERA and a 2.91 FIP. Gore is striking out hitters more frequently than before and walking fewer than ever. His strikeout rate is an impressive 11.26 per nine innings, while his walk rate is a solid 2.85 per nine innings. This pitcher has clearly improved his performance significantly.
Q. What were MacKenzie Gore’s stats in high school?
A. In his junior year, he achieved a 12–1 record with an incredibly low 0.08 ERA and had 174 strikeouts over 88 1/3 innings. That season, he also pitched a no-hitter with 18 strikeouts. He played a key role in leading Whiteville to four consecutive 1A state championships, winning three of them, and was named MVP in each of the victories.