The Washington Nationals have signaled they’re willing to make moves this offseason, with MacKenzie Gore standing out as their top trade asset. A return to his former team, the San Diego Padres, appears to be a natural fit.
Gore rose through San Diego’s farm system before being included in the blockbuster Juan Soto trade. The Padres are intimately familiar with his potential and ceiling, giving them unique insight compared to any other team.
Now, Padres president of baseball operations A.J. Preller faces the challenge of bolstering a rotation that lost Dylan Cease to free agency. Gore represents an ideal solution, offering team control through 2027 and a proven track record of durability.
The Nationals hold the upper hand in any negotiations, with multiple teams showing interest. While Washington can afford to wait for the right deal, San Diego has the assets to move quickly if they choose.
Why Gore and San Diego are a natural match
Preller needs additional pitching to support Joe Musgrove and Michael King. Gore’s 185 strikeouts over 159.2 innings in 2025 highlight his elite ability to miss bats.
His familiarity with the Padres organization and the pitcher-friendly Petco Park makes him an easy fit in the rotation. San Diego could slot him in immediately without compromising payroll flexibility.
With stars like Fernando Tatis Jr., Manny Machado, and Jackson Merrill under contract, the Padres’ championship window remains open. Acquiring a controllable frontline starter addresses their biggest need without limiting financial options.
At 26, Gore fits perfectly with San Diego’s core. His prime years coincide with the team’s competitive window, and the Padres can either extend him or let him enter free agency based on their timeline.
What it would take to make the trade
Washington is rebuilding and seeks high-upside prospects along with cost-controlled MLB talent. San Diego would need to part with valuable pieces to acquire an All-Star pitcher with two years of arbitration remaining.
By offering a mix of top prospects and immediate contributors, the Padres can present a package that satisfies the Nationals’ need for future stars while strengthening their own roster today.