The Cubs are reportedly eyeing the Nationals’ ace lefty Mackenzie Gore, a potential ace with breakout potential and three more years of team control.
As the July 31 trade deadline approaches, the Chicago Cubs face a decision: ride their potent lineup into contention or risk being outmatched in October without rotation support. Enter Mackenzie Gore, the Nationals’ emerging All-Star left-hander. Gore’s 3.59 ERA and 11.2 K/9 over 20 starts make him a perfect addition for a team seeking controllable, high-upside arms through 2028. Can Chicago pull off a deal for one of the game’s top up-and-coming arms and bolster their World Series hopes amid a heated National League playoff race?
Why Gore Is a Strong Fit for Chicago
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Breakout Performance
Gore emerged as a 2025 All-Star thanks to an impressive 3.59 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, and 11.2 strikeouts per nine innings over 20 starts, proof that he can handle big-league pressure. -
Cost Control
At just 26 and under team control through 2028, Gore is an affordable pairing for a Cubs rotation that could use a left-handed rotation boost. -
Pitching Depth Balance
Chicago’s rotation is strong, but it lacks southpaw variety. Gore would immediately diversify their arm mix, critical for postseason matchups.
“Several” teams have asked the #Nationals about SP Mackenzie Gore, per @JonHeyman
Heyman notes WAS GM Mike DeBartolo has said he’ll “always listen” but prefers to keep the core group around and a trade is “probably a long shot.” pic.twitter.com/TTBH5ZeJOv
— MLB Deadline News (@MLBDeadlineNews) July 20, 2025
Why the Nationals Might Trade Gore
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Rebuild Mode
With a 39–60 record and a growing focus on 2026-2027, Washington faces a rebuild. Trading Gore while he’s hot provides prime value for reloading capital. -
Maximizing Asset Value
Trading now avoids potential arbitration escalation or slipping performance, making this Gore’s most opportune window for value.
Sample Trade Package Breakdown
Below is a plausible package balancing Chicago’s win-now needs and Washington’s rebuild timeline:
| Cubs Send | Nationals Receive | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Cade Horton (Top‑50 LHP prospect) | Mackenzie Gore (LHP starter) | Cubs get a controllable, high-upside starter; Nats get front-line lefty potential |
| Kevin Alcántara (High-ceiling OF prospect) | + 2026 competitive balance pick | Gives Washington organizational depth and future draft capital |
Kevin Alcántara stays red hot with a home run off Rich Hill pic.twitter.com/uJm4a0S2p4
— Greg Huss (@OutOfTheVines) July 2, 2025
This isn’t just a flashy move; it’s a calculated leap toward a deep October run. Gore brings youth, swing-and-miss stuff, and a ton of upside to Chicago’s postseason rotation. If the Cubs navigate this trade wisely, they could significantly bolster their October rotation, matching their lineup’s firepower with reliable pitching.
