There is a new era of baseball in Washington, D.C.
After moving on from longtime manager Dave Martinez and general manager Mike Rizzo, the Nationals are starting their next chapter. After winning the World Series in 2019, Washington has fallen back into mediocrity.
New President of Baseball Operations Paul Toboni has already made his first splash in the role. Trading left-handed reliever Jose Ferrer to the Seattle Mariners for MLB.com’s 42nd-ranked prospect, Harry Ford.
Ford is the third-highest-ranked catching prospect in baseball and could be the solution if the Nationals move on from Keibert Ruiz.
Trade incoming?
The main trade chip that Toboni possesses is star left-hander MacKenzie Gore. Gore was one of the big pieces that saw Juan Soto dealt to the San Diego Padres back in 2022.
Gore was a name that circulated during this past season’s trade deadline, but a deal never materialized. Washington likely was seeking a large trade package in return back in July. They will not waver on that stance this winter.
The left-hander became a full-time starter in D.C. back in 2023 in his age 24 season. Since then, he has tossed 462.1 innings, holding a 4.15 earned run average and striking out 589 batters. His K/9% is exactly 10, and Gore has made 27 or more starts in that timeframe.
If a team comes calling, they could potentially add a solid number two or high-end number three pitcher to their starting rotation. Gore has not gotten the chance to pitch in the postseason, but his ability forecasts potential for greatness.
Potential interest
A lot of teams should call the Nationals about trading for Gore.
The Chicago Cubs are certainly at the top of this list. Chicago failed to add meaningful pitching depth at the trade deadline. The club was reportedly interested in adding the lefty but could not come to terms.
If added, Gore would have the chance to become the team’s ace. Joining Matthew Boyd, Cade Horton and Shota Imanaga, one of these pitchers would have the chance to separate themselves from the pack.
Baltimore could be another interesting spot for Gore. The Orioles have a desperate need to add starting pitching this offseason. Without a handful of moves, they will not have a chance at competing in the American League East next season.
Trevor Rogers is the team’s ace and is coming off a career season. Adding Gore for a 1-2 lefty punch would be a great addition for the Orioles. They have young position players available to deal, which would be a huge benefit for the Nationals.
A wildcard team in this mix could be the Detroit Tigers. If the team does move Tarik Skubal this offseason (which would be malpractice), they could potentially pivot to Gore.
While he is not nearly the caliber of pitcher that Skubal is, Gore could be a nice consolation prize. Only if Skubal gets moved would I consider Detroit to be a potential suitor.
Matt Watson Media 
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