MacKenzie Gore, once a highly touted prospect, has now firmly established himself as an ace pitcher in Major League Baseball. Drafted third overall in 2017 following an impressive high school career, Gore’s journey to this point has seen its share of challenges, particularly during his time in the Padres’ minor league system. However, in 2022, he made his big league debut, and he has transformed into the dominant pitcher many expected him to be.
This season, Gore has defied previous trends that saw him struggle during the summer months. Historically, his performance dipped significantly after strong starts in March and April—with career ERAs rising from 3.07 in April to as high as 6.98 in July. Contrarily, this year he has maintained excellent form, posting a 2.93 ERA in June and an impressive 2.38 ERA in the first half of July, despite facing challenges with team dynamics.
A key component of Gore’s success has been his refined pitching arsenal. While he has traditionally relied on a mix of fastballs and curveballs, he has incorporated a slider specifically to combat left-handed hitters. This adaptation has proved effective, as evidenced by lefties struggling against the pitch, batting only .117 against it so far this season. Prior to this year, Gore rarely used the slider, but it now comprises over 45% of his pitches against left-handers, drastically improving his effectiveness.
Gore’s strikeout capabilities have also surged, with an exceptional 11.26 K/9 rate and a significant drop in his walk rate to 2.85 BB/9. His whiff percentages are consistently over 40% for all four of his secondary pitches, making him a formidable opponent on the mound. His overall strikeout rate places him in the upper echelons among qualified starters, ranking him sixth in K%, fourth in whiff%, and tenth in out-of-zone swings.
Gore’s current performance underscores the maturity and skill development he has achieved, providing a thrilling experience for baseball fans. His ability to generate swings and misses alongside a well-rounded pitch mix highlights his readiness for heightened competition, including his upcoming All-Star game appearance. As he continues to evolve, fans are excited to showcase what this talented lefty can accomplish.