What's Happening?
The New York Mets and Baltimore Orioles are reportedly interested in acquiring MacKenzie Gore, a pitcher from the Washington Nationals, as part of their efforts to strengthen their starting rotations.
According to ESPN's Buster Olney, there is significant trade talk involving Gore, who had a strong start to the 2025 season with a 3.02 ERA before finishing with a 4.17 ERA. Despite a challenging second half, Gore achieved a career-high 185 strikeouts and made over 25 starts for the third consecutive season. The Nationals, who finished last in the NL East, are considering a rebuild around players like James Wood and C.J. Abrams, making Gore a valuable trade asset. The Mets and Orioles, both seeking to improve their pitching staff after disappointing seasons, see Gore as a potential key addition.
Why It's Important?
The potential trade of MacKenzie Gore is significant for several reasons. For the Nationals, trading Gore could accelerate their rebuilding process by acquiring valuable draft picks or prospects. For the Mets and Orioles, adding a pitcher of Gore's caliber could significantly enhance their competitiveness in their respective divisions. Both teams struggled with their starting rotations in 2025, ranking 24th and 18th in starter ERA, respectively. Acquiring Gore could address these weaknesses and improve their chances of success in the upcoming season. This move also reflects a broader trend in MLB where teams are increasingly open to trading key players to rebuild or strengthen their rosters.
What's Next?
If the trade discussions progress, the Mets and Orioles will likely engage in negotiations with the Nationals to finalize a deal for Gore. The outcome of these talks could influence other teams' strategies during the offseason, as they may also seek to acquire or trade players to improve their rosters. The Nationals will need to carefully consider the offers they receive to ensure they maximize the return on Gore, potentially setting the stage for a more competitive future. Meanwhile, the Mets and Orioles will aim to finalize the trade before the start of the new season to integrate Gore into their pitching rotations.
