MacKenzie Gore Shines: Career-High 11 Ks Power Nationals’ Upset Win — Video Highlights & Key Takeaways

The Washington Nationals’ most coveted asset ahead of the 2025 MLB Trade Deadline isn’t a bat—it’s 26-year-old southpaw MacKenzie Gore, whose breakout campaign has contenders circling. H2: Why MacKenzie Gore Is Suddenly the Hottest Name on the Market Gore owns a 3.52 ERA with 144 strikeouts in 123 innings, ranking top-10 in the majors in punch-outs while slicing last season’s walk rate by nearly two percentage points. Because the former No. 3 overall pick is under team control through 2028, any acquiring club would add four post-deadline seasons of a potential front-line starter at arbitration prices—an irresistible combination for payroll-conscious contenders. H2: Cubs, Mariners, Yankees Lead the Bidding War • Chicago Cubs: Multiple reports say the Cubs are “very interested,” viewing Gore as the left-handed co-ace to pair with Cade Horton for a playoff push. • Seattle Mariners: A speculative blockbuster proposal sending top infield prospect Colt Emerson and power arm Walter Ford to Washington gained traction over the weekend. • New York Yankees: New York’s front office reportedly believes Gore’s rising four-seamer and hammer curve would play perfectly in Yankee Stadium, but Washington’s ask—headlined by outfielder Spencer Jones—remains steep. H2: Nationals’ Calculus—Rebuild or Retain? Washington is caught between an accelerated rebuild and a surprise Wild Card flirtation. General manager Mike Rizzo insists he’ll only move Gore for a “franchise-altering” package, noting that young core pieces CJ Abrams and James Wood took similar leaps after being allowed to grow in D.C. Nevertheless, executives believe the left-hander could single-handedly reset the Nationals’ farm system if traded now, when his value is arguably at its peak. H3: Recent Stumble Adds Intrigue Gore’s six-walk outing in Minnesota on July 25 reminded scouts of past command hiccups, but he still limited the Twins to one run in a 1-0 loss. Rival clubs saw it less as a red flag and more as evidence of growth: even without his best control, Gore can keep a game within reach thanks to a mid-90s heater and wipe-out curve. H2: What a Trade Package Could Look Like • Two top-100 prospects (one pitcher, one position player) • An MLB-ready depth arm • International bonus pool money or a competitive-balance draft pick Industry insiders compare the potential return to the haul Cincinnati landed for Luis Castillo in 2022, bolstered by Gore’s extra seasons of control and age advantage. H2: Fantasy and Betting Impact Managers in dynasty leagues should brace for a value spike if Gore lands in a pitcher-friendly park like T-Mobile or Wrigley Field. Sportsbooks have already trimmed Chicago’s World Series odds from 28-1 to 22-1 amid trade chatter, signaling the market’s respect for Gore’s upside. H2: Outlook Whether Gore remains the Nationals’ Opening Day starter in 2026 or headlines a deadline blockbuster, his name will dominate MLB headlines in the coming days. For Washington, the decision could define the franchise’s next half-decade; for suitors, Gore might be the missing piece that turns October dreams into reality.