Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-Imagn Images
*PREDICTION*
As the Winter Meetings continue, the idea of the Washington Nationals trading away starting pitcher MacKenzie Gore has gained steam across the league. With the Nationals struggling to find any consistency on the field, moving Gore this offseason for future assets could be the smart move.
The left-hander is just two years away from free agency, and since he is represented by MLB superagent Scott Boras, negotiations could be tough. Washington probably doesn’t want to deal with Boras in terms of an extension, and moving him now could make sure that they don’t overpay for the veteran.
Gore could be one of the bigger names available on the open market, and the Nationals almost traded him at the deadline this year. With this, it could see Washington look to make a move this winter, and if they do make him available, multiple teams will be trying to land his services.
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One team that could try to get involved in the sweepstakes to land a player like Gore could be the San Francisco Giants. After missing the playoffs again in 2025, the Giants’ front office has reportedly set out to make sure that it doesn’t happen again next season.
Giants president of baseball operations, Buster Posey, has expressed a priority to add pitching to this team, and Gore could be the perfect candidate. Even with the Giants having a strong front-end of the starting rotation, Gore could slot into the mix as a No. 2 or No. 3 option for this team.
Gore has the talent to be lights out on the mound each time out, and he could push this San Francisco rotation to the next level. The Giants have to compete with other elite teams in the National League, such as the rival Los Angeles Dodgers, so having enough pitching is crucial.
In 30 starts for the Nationals a year ago, Gore posted an ERA of 4.17. His ERA was a little high, but playing for a team with much better defensive players could also help lower things.
Gore is very good at getting batters to swing and miss, which would be massive for this Giants team moving forward. In 159.2 innings of work this year, Gore struck out 185 hitters.
San Freanciso has also been very good about maximizing pitchers over the years, and a change of scenery could be needed for Gore. Playing in Washington may not be the best thing for his career, and the Giants could look to take advantage of him being available on the trade front.
The Giants have the prospects needed to get the Nationals excited, and adding to the starting rotation could propel this team forward. San Francisco just barely missed the playoffs a year ago, and Gore could push them over the edge this season.