Nationals ace Mackenzie Gore is one of the hottest trade chips at the deadline. We explore five ideal landing spots, Boston, Chicago, San Diego, New York, and LA, and mock trade packages.
Since becoming an All-Star in 2025, MacKenzie Gore has surged into consideration as a potential trade piece, despite the Nationals’ public stance against dealing him. With team control through 2027 and elite strikeout numbers (138 K in 19 starts), Gore checks both talent and timeline boxes. Several contenders may covet his left-handed dominance, but neither value nor fit will be easy.
Below are five realistic landing spots where Gore’s mix of upside and affordability aligns with both club needs and risk tolerance, with creative packages tailored to each scenario.
Top 5 Trade Destinations for Nationals’ Mackenzie Gore
1. Boston Red Sox
Boston could plug Gore directly into their rotation, balancing Garrett Crochet’s lone big-league exposure. With a lineup already built around offense, adding frontline pitching is logical. A package might include Wilyer Abreu, Franklin Arias (#2 prospect), and lefty Payton Tolle, thoroughly discussed in recent mock trades. If the Nats prefer former all-star Jarren Duran, they could swap him out for Abreu. Either way, they’d have their pick between an all-star and a Gold Glove outfielder.
Wilyer Abreu’s reaction says it all.
Electric bat flip to match the enormity of that swing.@RedSox needed that. pic.twitter.com/C6qKChdNdV
— Mike Monaco (@MikeMonaco_) July 20, 2025
2. Chicago Cubs
This could be one of the best possible packages the Nats could receive. The Cubs have a chronic need for ace-tier starting pitching and young arms. Chicago has deep farm depth to match Washington’s price and enough urgency to strike. A deal could center around their top-three prospects, balancing MLB lineups with future value. Matt Shaw, RHP Cade Horton, C Moisés Ballesteros (Cubs No. 1), could tip the scales for the Nationals.
Moisés Ballesteros picks up his first career hit and the family is LOVING it! 🥹 #RivalryWeekend pic.twitter.com/QgTTGUFDfE
— MLB (@MLB) May 16, 2025
3. San Diego Padres
Gore is a former Padre prospect with strong fan ties. San Diego’s ongoing core still needs cheap rotation upgrades to contend. A swap might include Leo De Vries and Ethan Salas, and mid-tier pitching prospects.
16-year-old Ethan Salas is behind the plate for the Padres pic.twitter.com/55tdKQGJNE
— Talking Friars (@TalkingFriars) March 11, 2023
4. New York Yankees
With Aaron Judge in his prime, the Yankees chase both current dominance and future control. Gore would anchor their rotation through 2027 and beyond. A deal could involve a mix of prospects and MLB-ready talent, such as Anthony Volpe or Oswald Peraza, offering the Nationals both immediate and long-term upside, with the potential addition of George Lombard Jr. and Spencer Jones.
Ladies and gentlemen, we present to you George Lombard Jr.
He’s the @Yankees top prospect and he can win games by making jump throws. pic.twitter.com/mJTPnyBPcu
— Somerset Patriots (@SOMPatriots) June 18, 2025
5. Los Angeles Dodgers
The Dodgers’ mix of veterans, payroll flexibility, and aggressive win-now mentality makes them an ideal destination for Gore. LA could bid deep, possibly offering a package centered on C/1B/OF Dalton Rushing and or LHP Jackson Ferris (Dodgers No. 6). Their combination of readiness and depth fits Washington’s rebuild timeline.
Jackson Ferris get the LFG Award of the Day.
7IP 3H 0R 7Ks 1BBFastball was consistently hitting 96, and he wore the Northwest Arkansas hitters out riding it at the top of the zone.
Off speed was pretty much exactly 10 off, which is perfect.
One of the best starts of any… pic.twitter.com/8lp9SK5lnn
— Dodgers Daily (@dodger_daily) July 19, 2025
Possible Mock Deal Structures
| Destination | Gore Would Fill | Potential Return to Nats |
|---|---|---|
| Red Sox | Would slot into a 2‑3 starter role | Wilyer Abreu, Franklin Arias, Payton Tolle |
| Cubs | Frontline rotation needs | Top‑3 prospects + secondary pieces |
| Padres | Youthful fit & fan appeal | De Vries + Salas |
| Yankees | Postseason rotation anchor | Volpe + Lombard Jr. |
| Dodgers | High-end lefty starter | Rushing + Ferris |
Trading Mackenzie Gore would shake the deadline, but only if the Nationals feel they’re trading up in future value while confronting their current rebuild stall.
For Boston, Chicago, San Diego, New York, and L.A., Gore offers elite strikeout upside, control, and a lefty ace profile. Each club presents a different mix of draft capital, MLB depth, and strategic fit. If D.C. decides to move him, don’t be surprised to see one of these five sheets rolling across the desk in late July.
