Gore on the move? Nationals’ trade talks heat up ahead of Thursday’s deadline

A quiet July on the trade market has left many MLB fans — including some supporters of the cellar-dwelling Nationals — clamoring for trades ahead of Thursday’s deadline.

With a continued rebuild still on the horizon, Nationals interim general manager Mike DeBartolo is widely expected to quench their thirst for a move. ship out valuable players to contenders in exchange for prospects. His 44-64 club is looking to the future.

That process has already started. DeBartolo sent infielder Amed Rosario to the New York Yankees in exchange for a pair of minor league prospects last week. On Wednesday, he traded relievers Luis Garcia and Andrew Chafin to the Angels for two more prospects: left-handed pitcher Jake Eder and first baseman Sam Brown. 

Later in the evening, he agreed to send starting pitcher Mike Soroka to the contending Chicago Cubs, according to multiple reports. In return, the Nationals reportedly received 18-year-old infielder Ronny Cruz and 25-year-old outfielder Christian Franklin, who were the Cubs’ 13th and 14th ranked prospects, respectively, on MLB Pipeline.

The move didn’t shock Soroka, a 2019 All-Star who has found proven success as a starter and out of the bullpen. 

“I think it’s just one at a time, wherever it may be. Point at the mound, I’ll go throw,” Soroka said on Tuesday night. “The Nationals have done really well by me, and it’s been fun. Whatever happens, happens. But it’s a good place, a lot of good guys. I think I’m ready for whatever comes next.”

DeBartolo’s biggest trade chips are still on the roster.

For weeks, rumors have circulated regarding All-Star pitcher MacKenzie Gore. The southpaw was Washington’s opening day starter and has ranked near the top of the majors in strikeouts throughout the year.

His 4-11 record doesn’t tell the full story, even if his recent struggles have tanked some of his stats. 

The 26-year-old, who Washington acquired in the Juan Soto trade in 2021, has posted a respectable 3.80 ERA this year. His high strikeout rate and team-friendly contract — he’s under club control through 2027 — have made him a popular target for contending squads looking to beef up their rotations ahead of a postseason push.

The rumors made it back to Gore during the All-Star Break.

“Having been traded before, it’s just one of those things you don’t even think about,” Gore told MLB.com. “You love the guys you’re around and you grow as a group with these guys, but I’m just trying to stack good starts and whatever happens, happens.”

According to multiple reports, Washington has maintained a high asking price for their ace.

“Certainly in my job, if someone calls, you always listen to what they have to say. But trading away our really high-quality young players is not something I’m looking to do right now,” DeBartolo said earlier this month. “I’d put [Gore] in that group in terms of our young, really talented players.”

He isn’t the only National who could be on the move — if the price is right.

The reliever market is heating up, too. Bullpen arms on expiring contracts, like closer Kyle Finnegan, could fetch a solid return from top clubs.

After an All-Star season in 2024, Finnegan tested the open market last offseason. After failing to land a big contract in free agency, he re-signed with the Nationals on a one-year deal. After dominating trade rumors last summer, he’s returned to those discussions this month.

Even the reliever confesses that a trade is “the most likely scenario” this time.

“The chatter’s always been out there, but I understand how the game works. And this year is probably the most likely scenario,” Finnegan told MASN. “But at the same time, I feel like the team’s not going to get rid of guys just to get rid of them. They have to feel like they get a fair deal coming back. As likely as it is, I won’t believe it until it happens.”

Gore and Finnegan are Washington’s two biggest trade chips entering the deadline. Teams looking to pluck a position player from the division-worst roster will likely be disappointed.

First baseman Nathaniel Lowe, who will be a free agent this offseason, could be on the trade block. He was a Silver Slugger and a Gold Glove winner during his time with the Texas Rangers. His production has dipped in Washington, though.

The 30-year-old is on pace for career lows in on-base percentage and slugging percentage, though his 15 home runs rank third on the team.

Which Nationals are still on the roster by Friday remains to be seen. But DeBartolo, who has been on the job for less than a month, has a vision.

“We’re looking to just acquire young talent and to bolster what we have and try to be competitive as soon as we can,” the interim executive said. “But I don’t want to put a timeline on it.”