The new Nationals front office is retooling the team, and with only two seasons of team control left, Mackenzie Gore is a trade candidate that makes sense. The pitching market is moving, and teams are already making moves that take them out of consideration for Gore. However, there are a handful of teams that still make sense as potential trade partners for the Nationals.
New York Mets
It is always risky trading with a division rival, but the Mets have a deep farm system, and Gore makes sense for the Mets. The Mets' pitching fell apart in the second half of last season. Their starters and relievers faltered as the workload of a full season caught up to the team. The Mets have made some moves as they re-tool their team, but they have not upgraded their starting pitching, their biggest weakness. Gore would be a reliable arm for the Mets who can bolster their team.
The Mets have a deep farm system that could help the Nationals. The Mets' upper-level starting pitchers like Jonah Tong and Brandon Sproat could help Washington as early as next year, and position players like Jacob Reimer and A.J. show significant promise. The Nationals would have their pick of premium position players to get in exchange for Gore.
San Francisco Giants
The Giants have acquired Tyler Mahle and Adrian Houser this offseason to bolster their rotation. These are not players with incredibly high upside, and if the Giants hope to build a playoff contender, Gore can add to an already solid rotation that includes Logan Webb and former Cy Young winner Robbie Ray.
San Francisco does not have a fantastic farm system, but they have intriguing pieces for the Nationals. Bo Davidson is an AA outfielder who had a .913 OPS in High A last season. He could be a key piece in the Nationals’ return for Gore. Carson Whisenhunt is another option for the Nationals. He is a left-handed starter who has already made his MLB debut, meaning he could immediately slot into Gore’s role.
Bringing back former Madison High School star Bryce Eldridge back to the DMV would be a dream come true as the Nationals would have their power-hitting first baseman for years to come, but other than fan speculation there has been nothing connecting a rumor of this caliber to this point. However, there were no whispers on the Nationals getting Harry Ford either before that deal went through, so you never know how things can turn out.
Baltimore Orioles
A cross-beltway trade would make sense for both the Orioles and the Nationals. The Orioles have already acquired Shane Baz and Zach Eflin, but they need to acquire another impact starter if they hope to win the AL East.
The Orioles have many position players and not enough spots to play them. Coby Mayo, for instance, would be a good fit on the Nationals, and he has no clear spot on the Orioles' current roster. The Nats could also look to acquire a true prospect like outfielders Enrique Bradfield Jr. or Dylan Beavers.
Overall, there are many options for the Nationals to trade Gore. However, they need to act soon before these teams acquire other starting pitchers.