Three Nationals Who Could Represent Team USA At The 2026 World Baseball Classic

MacKenzie Gore

There is a growing theme here of not putting too many lofty expectations on these young Nationals' players, but we have already gotten this far so why not keep going?

MacKenzie Gore is still new to the major leagues, let alone to the Nationals and their fans. Gore has only pitched 70 innings in the majors thus far in his short career, and none have yet come with Washington. The southpaw was shut down for the season with an elbow injury shortly following the trade from San Diego that brought him to DC.

What you will probably like to know is that Gore's stuff is electric. Prospects Live had Gore scouted as having "Frontline Impact" as a Starting Pitcher. His fastball is his best pitch, topping out at around 96 MPH, and he has plenty of swing and miss potential with his secondary pitches, provided he can keep his command under control.

The Nationals will certainly want to take it slow with MacKenzie Gore this year and ease him back into action, perhaps even limiting his innings or starts throughout the season. However, with the talent that Gore has, that alone makes him a candidate for any Team USA roster provided he can stay healthy and put it all together for long periods of time. That and the fact that he is a left handed pitcher is another factor in his favor.