Rangers Acquire MacKenzie Gore in Trade with Nationals

Rangers Acquire All-Star MacKenzie Gore in Trade with Nationals

In a strategic move that could reshape the Texas Rangers' pitching rotation, the team has acquired All-Star left-hander MacKenzie Gore from the Washington Nationals in a five-for-one trade, sources confirmed to ESPN on Thursday.

The Trade Details

The trade, which was first reported by the New York Post, sees the Rangers sending a handful of prospects to the Nationals. The Nationals will receive third baseman Gavin Fien, who was the No. 12 overall pick in last year's draft, along with right-hander Alejandro Rosario, first baseman Abimelec Ortiz, shortstop Devin Fitz-Gerald, and outfielder Yeremy Cabrera.

Gore, who has two years of team control left, will make an estimated $4.7 million in 2026. The move underscores the Rangers' commitment to strengthening their pitching staff ahead of the upcoming season.

Gore's Performance and Potential

Gore, who was the No. 3 pick in the 2017 draft, didn't find big league success until 2024. After an All-Star first half for the Nationals in 2025, he slumped to a 6.75 ERA in the second half and finished the season at 5-15 with a 4.17 ERA and 185 strikeouts in just 159 2/3 innings.

Despite the struggles, Gore has been solid over the past two years, ranking 23rd in pitcher WAR in that span. However, he hasn't quite made the jump to a frontline starter that some envisioned years ago.

Developing a Fourth Pitch

Gore throws at least 80% fastball/slider to lefties and at least 80% fastball/curveball to righties. Developing a fourth viable pitch could be key to his success moving forward. The Rangers will have the opportunity to work with him on refining his pitching strategy.

The Rangers' Prospects

The prospects the Rangers are sending to the Nationals are all highly regarded. Gavin Fien, in particular, was a top pick in the draft and shows significant promise. The trade reflects the Rangers' willingness to part with valuable assets to acquire a player like Gore.

Implications for the 2026 Season

The acquisition of Gore could significantly impact the Rangers' chances in the 2026 season. With two years of team control, the Rangers will have ample time to integrate Gore into their rotation and maximize his potential. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Gore performs in his new environment.

Conclusion

The trade of MacKenzie Gore to the Texas Rangers is a bold move that could pay dividends for the team in the coming years. With the right development and support, Gore could become a cornerstone of the Rangers' pitching staff. Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the Rangers have made a statement with this acquisition.