Young Ace a Hot Commodity as Deadline Approaches
Washington Nationals’ All-Star left-handed pitcher Mackenzie Gore has become one of the most talked-about players ahead of the MLB trade deadline on July 31, 2025. Despite the Nationals being in the midst of a rebuilding phase, Gore’s stellar performance in 2025 has made him a highly coveted asset. The 26-year-old, who was named to his first All-Star Game this season, has made 22 starts and compiled a 3.80 ERA with 148 strikeouts over 123 innings pitched. His impressive strikeout numbers and a career-high 2.7 bWAR have put him on the radar of several contending teams, including the New York Yankees, Chicago Cubs, and Los Angeles Dodgers. The Nationals, who acquired Gore in the blockbuster Juan Soto trade, are reportedly asking for a massive haul of prospects in return, a clear indication that they value the young lefty as a foundational piece of their future.
Gore’s Recent Struggles and Contract Status
Despite his overall success this season, Mackenzie Gore has had some recent struggles on the mound. In his most recent start on July 30, he took a loss against the Houston Astros, giving up six runs in 5.1 innings. This was his third straight loss and his sixth in his last eight outings. He also struggled with his command in a recent start against the Minnesota Twins, where he walked a career-high-tying six batters. However, his strong overall season numbers and his team-friendly contract make him an extremely attractive trade target. Gore, who is on a one-year, $2.89 million contract for the 2025 season, is under team control through the 2027 season and is not eligible for free agency until 2028. This long-term control is a key reason why the Nationals are demanding a significant return. While his future with the Nationals remains uncertain as the deadline passes, he is scheduled for his next start at home against the Oakland Athletics.
Leave a Reply