Potential Trade Fits for Nationals’ Lefty Star as Deadline Approaches: 3 Teams That Should Go All-In
As the 2025 MLB trade deadline nears, contending teams are actively exploring upgrades to their pitching staffs in hopes of boosting their postseason aspirations. One arm drawing considerable attention is Mackenzie Gore, a talented young left-handed starter currently with the struggling Washington Nationals.
Despite playing for a team buried at the bottom of the NL East with a 38-59 record, Gore has quietly put together a strong season. The 25-year-old southpaw owns a 3.02 ERA, a 4-8 record, and ranks sixth in the majors in strikeouts with 138, a testament to his electric stuff and potential to thrive in a more competitive environment.
If the Nationals make Gore available, several contenders could view him as a difference-maker down the stretch. His ability to handle high-leverage innings and miss bats makes him an ideal trade target for playoff hopefuls. Here are three teams that should strongly consider offering top-tier prospects to land the young ace:
3. Boston Red Sox
The Red Sox, currently in a tight three-way battle in the AL East, remain legitimate buyers at the deadline despite a recent loss that snapped a 10-game winning streak. With a 53-46 record, Boston is aiming to secure its first division crown since 2018, and adding a high-upside arm like Gore could give their rotation the needed edge.
Boston’s rotation already includes Garrett Crochet, Brayan Bello, Lucas Giolito, and Walker Buehler — but with injuries and inconsistency around the league, Gore’s presence would bring extra stability and firepower. Crucially, the Red Sox also boast one of MLB’s top-five farm systems, giving them the assets to tempt Washington into a deal.
2. Chicago Cubs
Holding the best record in the National League, the Chicago Cubs are eyeing a deep postseason run, but they remain locked in a neck-and-neck race with the Milwaukee Brewers for control of the NL Central. Upgrading their rotation could prove pivotal in the second half.
With a deep, top-10-ranked farm system and a current staff led by Matthew Boyd — who holds a stellar 10-3 record with a 2.34 ERA — the Cubs are well-positioned to pursue Gore aggressively. Adding the Nationals lefty to a mix that includes Shota Imanaga and Jameson Taillon would give Chicago one of the most formidable rotations in the league, and a serious shot at dethroning the Los Angeles Dodgers in October.
1. San Diego Padres
Perhaps the most compelling storyline would be a reunion in San Diego. Gore, who began his MLB career with the Padres in 2022 before being traded in the Juan Soto blockbuster, is now a more mature and polished pitcher. With the Padres battling to stay ahead in the NL Wild Card race, acquiring Gore could be the boost they need to reach the postseason.
Although San Diego doesn’t have the same depth in their farm system as Boston or Chicago, they have select high-upside prospects and a front office known for aggressive moves. General manager A.J. Preller has a history of pulling off bold deals, even if it means including pieces from the active MLB roster.
Bringing Gore back to Petco Park would not only fortify their rotation but also provide a narrative spark — a second chapter in San Diego that might go further than the first.
With the Nationals unlikely to contend in the short term, trading Mackenzie Gore now could maximize his value. For playoff contenders hungry for elite pitching, Gore offers a rare combination of youth, upside, and experience. Whether it’s Boston’s deep system, Chicago’s playoff urgency, or San Diego’s history with the lefty, the next few weeks could shape the trajectory of multiple franchises — and Mackenzie Gore may be at the heart of it.
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