MLB Rumors: Nationals' All-Star Starting Pitcher Drawing A Lot Of Trade Interest

July 22, 2025 ,
Washington Nationals starting pitcher Mackenzie Gore walks off the field during 2025 game.

As the July 31 MLB trade deadline approaches, teams are calling the Washington Nationals about All-Star lefty MacKenzie Gore. 

According to Jon Heyman, multiple clubs have expressed interest in the 26-year-old starter, though Washington is reportedly reluctant to move him. Gore is in the midst of a breakout campaign, boasting a 3.59 ERA and 140 strikeouts over 112.2 innings despite a 4-9 record. His career trajectory is trending up, with a steadily declining ERA over four MLB seasons.

Nationals Face Tough Call on Rising Ace

Interim GM Mike DeBartolo has made it clear he prefers to keep the Nationals' young core, including Gore, CJ Abrams, James Wood, and Dylan Crews, intact. Gore, under team control through 2027, would command a massive return if made available. He was acquired from the San Diego Padres in the Juan Soto blockbuster and has since evolved into Washington's ace, earning his first All-Star nod in 2025. 

But with the team stuck in a rebuild and Gore represented by Scott Boras, there’s skepticism about a long-term extension, which could influence the Nationals’ timeline and trade calculus.

Gore’s Value Remains High Despite Recent Blip

While Gore’s latest outing, a rough 2.1-inning, eight-run performance against his former team in San Diego, was a rare misstep, his overall season remains impressive. He’s delivered ace-level consistency, and his performance has drawn comparisons to Washington's previous frontline stars like Max Scherzer and Stephen Strasburg. 

If the Nationals decide to cash in, the asking price will be steep, likely involving multiple top-100 prospects. Still, DeBartolo has said dealing Gore is “not a focus,” indicating that while calls are being answered, a trade is far from imminent.

Photo Credit: Rafael Suanes-Imagn Images

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