MacKenzie Gore has been one of the few bright spots for the Washington Nationals this season, earning his first All-Star nod as the team’s ace.
But that hasn’t stopped trade rumors from swirling around the left-hander.
It’s an odd situation considering Gore remains under club control through 2027, giving the Nats plenty of time to build around him. Yet here we are, with his name popping up in trade discussions as the deadline approaches.
When asked about the rumors during All-Star Weekend, Gore took it in stride. He’s been through this before – the Padres dealt him to Washington in the Juan Soto trade, so he knows how the business side works.
“Having been traded before, it’s just one of those things you don’t even think about,” Gore told MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand. “You love the guys you’re around and you grow as a group with these guys, but I’m just trying to stack good starts and whatever happens, happens.”
The thing is, Gore’s contract situation makes him incredibly valuable. Two years of control after this season means any acquiring team gets a proven starter without immediately worrying about free agency. That’s the kind of asset that’d command a hefty prospect return.
From where I’m sitting, it’d be odd for Washington to move their best pitcher when they’re still in rebuilding mode. Gore’s exactly the type of player you build around, not trade away.
But if it happens, at least he’s got the right mindset about it.
