RANGERS GET MACKENZIE GORE!
The Texas Rangers acquired pitcher MacKenzie Gore from the Washington Nationals for first baseman Abimelec Ortiz, pitcher Alejandro Rosario, outfielder Yeremy Cabrera, and infielders Devin Fitz-Gerald and Gavin Fien.
What does it give the Texas Rangers
In Gore, the Rangers add an elite strikeout starter to their already deep rotation. The 26-year-old left-hander has also proven himself to be durable, making at least 27 starts in all of his three full MLB seasons. Heading to Texas, he is coming off a season of a mediocre 4.17 ERA in 30 starts but also career bests of 185 strikeouts and a 1.35 WHIP.
What does it give the Washington Nationals
Washington is still far from being a contender, so they elected to move their young ace, Gore, two years before he can become a free agent. In return, they upgraded their prospect pool at virtually every position. Fien (the 12th-overall pick in 2025) is the headliner. Like Gore, Rosario is also a high upside strikeout starter. Ortiz is the closest to making his MLB debut, but for the Nationals this trade haul is more about their outlook seasons away from now.
Fantasy impact
Gore should only be helped by this trade. He will now pitch home games at more of a pitcher's park in Texas. If the Rangers offense can bounce back this year, he should also be in line for more wins. As for the new Nationals prospects, Fien and Rosario especially are names to remember a few years from now. Ortiz can also hit for power and is likely to get his first call-up this season, so keep an on him in the short term, too.
Player focus
Washington Nationals