The Texas Rangers have pulled off one of the biggest pitching moves of the offseason, acquiring left-handed starter MacKenzie Gore from the Washington Nationals in exchange for a five-prospect package. The deal was confirmed by both teams and sends shortstop Gavin Fien, right-hander Alejandro Rosario, first baseman/outfielder Abimelec Ortiz, infielder Devin Fitz-Gerald, and outfielder Yeremy Cabrera to Washington. Because only Gore and Ortiz occupied spots on their respective 40-man rosters, the trade required no additional roster moves.
Gore, 27, had long been viewed as one of the most likely pitchers to be dealt this winter. Entering the offseason, he topped many industry trade boards thanks to a blend of upside, affordability, and Washington’s organizational direction. The Nationals remain deep in a rebuild that began after their 2019 World Series title and has yet to produce a return to contention. With new leadership now in place following the departures of longtime president of baseball operations Mike Rizzo and manager Dave Martinez, the franchise appears committed to a patient, long-term approach.
Washington’s decision to move Gore was also influenced by his contract status. He is two years away from free agency and is represented by the Boras Corporation, making a long-term extension less likely. Though his overall major league results have been uneven, Gore showed flashes of frontline potential during the first half of the 2025 season. Through the All-Star break, he posted a 3.02 ERA across 19 starts, pairing an above-average walk rate with an elite strikeout percentage that ranked among the best in baseball at the time.
Injuries derailed his finish, however. Shoulder inflammation and a late-season ankle issue limited his effectiveness down the stretch, inflating his final ERA to 4.17. Even so, Gore’s power arsenal remains highly appealing. He averaged better than 95 mph with his fastball and mixed five pitches, giving him the tools to thrive near the top of a rotation. He is also cost-controlled, entering his second arbitration year at a $5.6 million salary.
For the Rangers, the move addresses a clear need. After losing several veteran starters to free agency, Texas entered the winter with Jacob deGrom and Nathan Eovaldi anchoring the rotation but little certainty behind them. Financial constraints reportedly pushed the club away from the free-agent market, making a trade for a controllable starter a logical solution. Gore now joins deGrom and Eovaldi to form a strong top three, while younger arms such as Jack Leiter, Jacob Latz, and Kumar Rocker slide into more manageable roles.
The price was significant. Headlining the package is Gavin Fien, the 12th overall pick in the 2025 draft and now one of Washington’s top prospects. Though questions remain about his long-term defensive home, his offensive upside made him a priority target for the Nationals’ new front office. Rosario, Fitz-Gerald, Cabrera, and Ortiz add a mix of upside, depth, and near-term potential, with Ortiz closest to contributing at the major league level.
From Washington’s perspective, the deal reinforces a long-view rebuilding strategy focused on accumulating young talent. For Texas, it’s a bold bet that Gore’s first-half form can return and stabilize a rotation built to compete over the next two seasons—before looming free agency questions once again reshape the staff.
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