After a strong start to the season, marked by exceptional strikeout rates and solid advanced metrics, Mackenzie Gore’s fantasy baseball struggles have dramatically intensified as the summer progresses. In early July, Gore was a clear standout, ranking 25th in ERA among qualifying pitchers but far higher in other categories—he was fourth in strikeout rate, fifth in strikeout-minus-walk percentage, sixth in SIERA, and tenth in FIP. He uniquely maintained three pitches with whiff rates exceeding the league average by more than 10%, a feat no other pitcher matched. At that point, Gore was an unquestioned All-Star candidate, signaling a breakout season.
However, everything unraveled quickly after that promising stretch. In Gore’s recent outing against the Athletics, he was hammered for eight runs on 12 hits across just three innings, marking the first time in his major league career he failed to record a single strikeout in a start. Such a disastrous performance raised suspicions about potential injury or mechanical issues, but Gore offered no clear explanation for the drastic decline.
Uncertainty Surrounds Gore’s Pitching Difficulties
Speaking with reporters after the game, Mackenzie Gore acknowledged the unusual nature of his struggles during this start. Typically, Gore’s poor outings involve control problems leading to walks, but this time the opposing hitters simply connected solidly with his pitches.
“We didn’t walk anybody tonight, which is something that typically, when I pitch bad, that’s what happens,”
he said, via the Washington Post’s Spencer Nusbaum.
“Just tonight it was just they hit it. So, yeah, we got to make some adjustments.”
—Mackenzie Gore, pitcher
Gore’s difficulties are not limited to a single game. He closed July with a 6.75 ERA and has managed only one quality start in his last six outings. Strikeouts have nearly vanished, with just 19 in 27 innings compared to 16 walks, a stark reversal from his status earlier in the year as one of baseball’s most prolific strikeout pitchers.
Historical Struggles Offer Glimmers of Hope
Despite the current slump, there is some precedent for optimism. Gore encountered a similar challenge last July, producing a 7.62 ERA and enduring a stretch with 18 strikeouts and 18 walks over 26 innings. Yet, following that difficult run, he rebounded impressively from late August onward, posting a 1.55 ERA and striking out 45 batters in just over 40 innings while limiting walks. That turnaround suggests Gore has the mental toughness and ability to overcome slumps, even if the underlying issues remain unclear.
Still, the broader question lingers: why does Gore repeatedly falter after promising stretches? Analyzing pitch-level data reveals no significant drop in velocity, and most spin rates and movement characteristics remain consistent, except for a decrease in effectiveness of his secondary pitches aside from his changeup. These subtle shifts fail to fully explain a plunge from potential Cy Young candidate to among the worst performances in the league.
Mechanics and Consistency Still Pose Challenges for Gore
One possible explanation relates to Gore’s distinctive delivery, which features a high leg kick followed by a slide down the mound. This unorthodox motion, flagged during his prospect years, is difficult to replicate consistently, and inconsistency in mechanics could undermine his ability to maintain peak performance. Despite his professional experience spanning nine seasons, including four in the majors, Gore’s ongoing struggles with delivering pitches consistently raise doubts about whether he will fully resolve these issues.
While Gore himself has repeatedly noted that progress in pitching is often nonlinear, the failure to sustain the early-season promise during the “dog days” of summer remains concerning. At present, Gore is a remarkably talented player but still very much an unfinished product. From a fantasy perspective, this means he should remain on rosters as a stashed asset but avoided as a regular starter until he shows clear signs of solidifying his performance.
Notable Performances to Watch From Tuesday’s MLB Action
Apart from Mackenzie Gore’s struggles, there were several noteworthy performances and emerging talents across the league on Tuesday that fantasy managers should keep an eye on.
Zebby Matthews Shines in Encouraging Outing for Twins
Zebby Matthews, a starting pitcher for the Minnesota Twins, made a strong case for more playing time by limiting the Detroit Tigers to a single run over five innings while striking out six batters. Matthews demonstrated excellent velocity, with a fastball reaching up to 98 mph and generating 12 swinging strikes, including seven on his slider. His diminished zone rate, dropping to 50% from a usual 55%, may be key in reducing walks and better locating his pitches. Matthews shows promising strikeout potential near 30% and a low walk rate near 6%, drawing favorable comparisons to pitchers like George Kirby, and remains a talent worth watching.
Luke Keaschall’s Return Brings Hope to Twins’ Infield
Second baseman Luke Keaschall returned to the field after recovering from a fractured forearm, instantly making an impact with two hits in four at-bats and a home run in his first game back. He also showed his aggressive baserunning by attempting a steal. Keaschall’s profile suggests he could develop into a more dynamic version of Maikel Garcia, especially with his speed and all-around abilities. Fantasy leagues focusing on stolen bases and balanced hitting would be wise to roster him as he gains more consistent playing time.
Jakob Marsee’s Impressive Start with the Marlins
Outfielder Jakob Marsee has adapted quickly to Major League Baseball, reaching base 11 times in his first five games, including six hits and five extra-base hits, highlighted by his first career home run on Tuesday against the Astros. His excellent plate discipline shows in his low chase rate of 6.1% and moderate whiff rate of 20%, reflecting the same qualities that made him stand out in the minors. Marsee’s minor league track record includes a .801 OPS and 54 steals in 120 games, signaling potential as a strong multi-category fantasy contributor.
Daulton Varsho’s Mid-Career Power Surge Continues
Daulton Varsho is exceeding expectations with a remarkable power surge, even after missing time due to offseason shoulder surgery and a hamstring injury. On Tuesday, Varsho added two home runs, including a career-long 467-foot shot, raising his total to 11 homers in just 28 games. His quality of contact metrics are at their peak, though increased power has come with more strikeouts and a likely lower batting average. Nonetheless, his ability to consistently hit for power and produce in categories makes him a valuable fantasy asset in Roto and points-based leagues.