MLB Rumors: Nationals To Use One Player As Trade Bait To Kickstart New Era

MacKenzie Gore has become the bellwether for where the Washington Nationals are headed next.

With a new president of baseball operations and a new staff in place, league chatter now points to Washington using its 26-year-old All-Star as the centerpiece to kickstart a reset. Gore has two seasons of club control remaining and a modest projected salary, the exact profile that draws aggressive offers from contenders seeking swing-and-miss from the left side.

Why Washington Is Ready To Deal Now

Keeping Gore would show Washington believes contention is here. Moving him says they are aiming to peak alongside their young core.

The club is looking to leverage Gore’s value today for a multi-player return that adds impact pitching and a position player who can grow with James Wood.

MacKenzie Gore listed by @JimBowdenGM as one of the stars most likely to be traded this offseason

"He’s controllable for two more seasons, so the best time to trade him to maximize the return would be this offseason. It makes sense that his name is popping up everywhere. If the… pic.twitter.com/mAn3WMq8KM
— Talking Friars (@TalkingFriars) October 26, 2025

The downside is that dealing Gore likely leaves the Nationals without a clear Opening Day ace and tempers 2026 expectations. The upside is a faster path to a deeper roster that fits the new front office’s blueprint.

This past season, the 26-year-old recorded a 4.17 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, with 185 strikeouts across 159.2 innings and 30 starts.

What A Gore Market Could Look Like

Gore’s first-half form last season showed why he fits near the top of a playoff rotation.

That will put teams with October ambitions on alert. Clubs that need a high-end lefty to slot behind their number one make the most sense, and the ask from Washington will be steep: a headline prospect, a near-ready arm, and at least one controllable big leaguer.

The Nationals can afford to be selective. They do not need to move Gore. They need the right package that accelerates a true new era.