New York Yankees at Baltimore Orioles (Image via Imagn). The Baltimore Orioles are back in the market for a frontline starter after falling short in their pursuit of Dylan Cease. With the offseason underway and pressure mounting to stabilize the top of their rotation, a new trade proposal has placed them right back into the headlines.Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter proposed a scenario in which Baltimore targets a familiar regional rival for pitching help, identifying Washington Nationals ace and 2024 All-Star MacKenzie Gore as the ideal solution.
Proposed trade details
The suggested move between the Baltimore Orioles and Nationals centers around Gore, a 26-year-old left-hander carrying a $6.5 million salary and multiple years of team control.Here is what the package would look like:
Proposed Orioles-Nationals trade package
TeamReceivesOrioles LHP MacKenzie GoreNationals LHP Cade Povich, OF Dylan Beavers, RHP Esteban Mejia, RHP Trey Gibson
Mackenzie Gore of Washington (Image via Getty)
Reuter explained why Baltimore should pursue the deal, writing: “The Orioles have a clear need to add a third quality arm atop the rotation alongside Trevor Rogers and Kyle Bradish, and he would slot in nicely as a multi-year option who still has some untapped upside.” (H/t: Sporting News)
Why MacKenzie Gore fits Baltimore’s rotation plans
MacKenzie Gore is coming off a season that offered both promise and inconsistency. He finished the year with a 4.17 ERA, 185 strikeouts, and a 1.353 WHIP across 195 innings. While the final numbers appear inflated, the underlying performance tells a different story.
Gore at a glance (2024 season)
CategoryStat ERA 4.17 Strikeouts 185 WHIP 1.353 Innings pitched 195 All-Star Break ERA 3.02 All-Star Break strikeouts 138 All-Star Break starts 19MacKenzie Gore’s midseason drop-off stemmed from a cold stretch, but his first half showcased clear top-of-the-rotation upside. If the Orioles believe he can sustain that level across a full campaign, his combination of cost control, age, and ceiling makes him an appealing acquisition.
Why the Orioles might push for this deal
Baltimore Orioles is expected to be aggressive this offseason, motivated by both immediate competitive goals and the need to match moves made across the American League. Their rotation already includes Trevor Rogers and Kyle Bradish, but a third dependable starter is vital for their long-term plans.
Factors pushing Baltimore toward Gore
• Missing out on Dylan Cease leaves a noticeable gap in the rotation • Gore is affordable, under contract at $6.5 million • Multiple years of team control increases long-term value • The front office believes he has another performance leap ahead • Possible extension if he continues to develop • Other contenders may enter the race soon, increasing urgency
What this means for the Waashington Nationals
For Washington Nationals, the proposed deal accelerates their rebuild. The package gives them four controllable prospects, including left-hander Cade Povich and outfielder Dylan Beavers, both of whom have been on Baltimore’s radar as future contributors. Adding young arms like Esteban Mejia and Trey Gibson further strengthens their long-term pitching depth.If the Orioles seriously believe Gore is poised for a breakout season, this is the type of move that could reshape their pitching staff for years to come. With multiple contenders monitoring Gore’s availability, Baltimore may need to move quickly if they intend to make him their next franchise arm.Also read: MLB trade rumors: Los Angeles Dodgers linked to massive trade proposal for $820,000 Pittsburgh Pirates ace to bolster squadNegotiations have not yet begun, but if the club views Gore as the ideal rebound after missing out on Cease, this proposed trade framework could serve as the starting point.