MacKenzie Gore is poised for his 22nd start of the season for the Washington Nationals this Wednesday, and as Major League Baseball’s trade deadline approaches, speculation abounds regarding whether he will make his 23rd start for a different team. With the organization currently under the stewardship of interim general manager Mike DeBartolo, the future of the 26-year-old all-star left-hander raises significant questions.
DeBartolo, who took over after Mike Rizzo was dismissed earlier this month, has committed to making decisions that are in the best long-term interest of the franchise. Given the Nationals’ current standing in last place, trading Gore could be viewed as a pragmatic decision that helps the team’s future rather than an emotional concession.
Despite Gore’s impressive performance—holding opponents to two or fewer runs in 15 of his starts with a 3.52 ERA—his potential departure could align with the Nationals’ trajectory towards rebuilding. Currently on pace to lose over 90 games for the fifth consecutive season, the Nationals face major challenges ahead, and these issues could hinder the team’s competitiveness over the next few years. For instance, while young talents like James Wood and CJ Abrams are showing promise, the organization must critically assess its chances for improvement by the 2027 season, when Gore could reach free agency.
Trading Gore presents an opportunity to acquire young, controllable players, which could help address the team’s many voids. This strategy mirrors past decisions the Nationals made, such as trading Juan Soto to secure desirable prospects.
However, the decision to trade Gore will ultimately rest with the Nationals’ ownership, the Lerners, who have the final say on how to restructure their front office and manage investment in player development and acquisitions. This complexity poses a challenge, as emotions tied to a player like Gore, who embodies hope for the team, could weigh heavily on stakeholders.
Looking ahead, signs suggest that Gore is likely to stay with the Nationals past the trade deadline, and any significant trades might come later. Still, navigating this transitional period remains delicate, as consistent underperformance has already taken its toll on both the organization and its fanbase.
As the Nationals strive to rebuild, there is a glimmer of hope that smart decision-making could set the team on a path toward future success, creating the foundation for a more competitive roster in the coming years.