Nationals GM Addresses MacKenzie Gore Trade Decision

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin M. Groe | Last updated Jul 20, 2025 3:14 PM ET

Left-handed starting pitcher MacKenzie Gore is in his fourth MLB season and third as a member of the Washington Nationals.

Gore was originally selected third overall by the San Diego Padres in the 2017 MLB Draft and made his MLB debut for the organization in 2022.

The 26-year-old rising star landed in Washington in August 2022 as part of the blockbuster deal that sent Juan Soto and Josh Bell to San Diego, with the Nationals receiving a package headlined by Gore, C.J. Abrams and James Wood.

Gore has steadily improved as a National, emerging as Washington’s ace this season and earning his first All-Star Game selection.

With the Nationals continuing their rebuild and sitting at 39–59, Gore has become a highly coveted asset on the trade market, with teams calling to inquire about his availability.

Washington general manager Mike DeBartolo said that, while he prefers to keep the core intact, he’ll “always listen.”

Several teams have called the Nats about All-Star lefty starter Mackenzie Gore. New Nats GM Mike DeBartolo has said that while he prefers to keep the core group he’ll “always listen.” Probably a long shot with 2 more years before free agency but worth teams trying.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 20, 2025

With two years of team control remaining after 2025, Gore’s trade value will be extremely high for any club seeking a young, talented arm. Despite a 4–8 record across 19 starts this season—a reflection more of Washington’s inconsistent run support than his performance—he’s been outstanding, compiling a 3.02 ERA and 138 strikeouts.

In early July, following the firings of longtime GM Mike Rizzo and manager Dave Martinez, DeBartolo was appointed interim general manager, and he faces a pivotal decision on whether to entertain trade offers for Gore.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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