The Chicago Cubs are reportedly considering a significant trade involving MacKenzie Gore ahead of the MLB trade deadline, aiming to boost their playoff chances with a top pitching prospect under contract through 2027. While fans remain skeptical due to previous front office passivity, this reported interest signals a possible shift toward a more aggressive roster upgrade approach.
Details Emerge on Potential Blockbuster Deal with Washington Nationals
According to a report by The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney, the Cubs are highly interested in acquiring MacKenzie Gore from the Washington Nationals. Gore, a left-handed pitcher with growing stardom, could anchor the Cubs’ starting rotation and substantially strengthen the team’s postseason ambitions. The Nationals’ interim general manager Mike DeBartolo has expressed openness to trade discussions, but there is no clear indication the Nationals want to part with Gore.
“The Cubs are very interested in MacKenzie Gore, a top-of-the-rotation arm under team control through 2027. A blockbuster deal with the Washington Nationals would set the Cubs up for the playoffs and eliminate an offseason need,”
—Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney
MacKenzie Gore’s Rising Status and Impact on Cubs’ Rotation
Gore is living up to the potential seen in his prospect days by earning his first All-Star selection this season. Currently, he boasts a 3.52 ERA across 21 starts and has struck out 144 batters in 117⅔ innings, ranking tied for fifth in strikeouts across Major League Baseball. These numbers highlight his potential to be a dominant pitcher that could lead Chicago’s rotation for years.
Challenges Ahead for Cubs in Executing the Trade
Despite the Cubs’ apparent strong interest, acquiring Gore would not come without difficulty or cost. The Nationals’ willingness to negotiate remains uncertain, and the Cubs would likely have to offer significant assets in return. Still, this situation marks a departure from the Cubs’ usual quieter trade approach and reflects their recognition that aggressive moves may be necessary to compete.
Implications for Chicago Cubs’ Playoff Aspirations
This development suggests the Cubs are seeking more than just minor upgrades, signaling an intent to contend now and prepare to lead their pitching staff into the future. Although it is unclear if the Gore deal will materialize, the mere possibility is a sign that the Cubs front office may finally act boldly at the deadline, a move many fans have been demanding.
Whether or not Chicago lands Gore, the team must make meaningful moves soon if it hopes to turn a season filled with frustration into a successful playoff run, especially amid mounting pressure from fans and critics alike.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is MacKenzie Gore any good?
A. After many years of waiting, MacKenzie Gore has become the star pitcher that Nationals fans expected. He ranks second in baseball for strikeouts and is in the top ten for innings pitched. Additionally, he has an impressive 3.09 ERA over 17 starts.
Q. How good is MacKenzie Gore?
A. Gore was chosen as the third pick in the 2017 Draft, considered a very skilled high school pitcher. He became well-known by consistently ranking as a Top 100 MLB prospect for five years from 2018 to 2022, even reaching the fifth spot in 2020.
Q. How fast does MacKenzie Gore throw?
A. Quick Overview of Pitch Selection In 2025, their main pitches are a Fourseam Fastball at 96 mph and a Curve at 82 mph. They also use a Slider going 88 mph and a Changeup at 86 mph.