Cubs Target MacKenzie Gore to Upgrade Rotation Ahead of Winter Meetings

The Chicago Cubs enter the 2026 offseason with a clear roster priority: improving a starting rotation that has lagged behind their championship-caliber offense. MacKenzie Gore, the 26-year-old left-hander from the Washington Nationals, represents a prime opportunity to address that need. With the Nationals actively shopping Gore as part of their rebuild, Chicago’s window to strike is narrow but promising.

Gore’s 2025 campaign underscored his value despite an inconsistent win-loss record. The first-time All-Star struck out 185 batters over 159⅔ innings, displaying elite velocity and a deep pitch mix while retaining two years of arbitration control. These factors make him a cost-effective, high-upside addition for a Cubs rotation in need of stability.

Chicago’s offensive core has shown it can compete at the highest level, but their rotation remains a limiting factor. Relying solely on free-agent acquisitions is risky, particularly with Kyle Tucker set to enter free agency. Gore offers a controllable, proven option capable of slotting behind Shota Imanaga and elevating the overall rotation profile.

With multiple teams reportedly in the mix, time is of the essence. Buster Olney notes that a deal could materialize quickly, and the Cubs’ organizational depth gives them the ability to craft a balanced trade that satisfies both franchises.

1. Gore’s On-Field Value

Despite a 4.17 ERA in 2025, Gore’s performance metrics paint a more favorable picture. His 185 strikeouts ranked among league leaders, demonstrating his ability to miss bats consistently. Velocity on his fastball remains elite, and his secondary offerings provide the foundation for continued success in a stable rotation. Gore’s arbitration control adds significant financial appeal. Unlike free-agent alternatives, the Cubs would have two seasons of cost-effective innings from a pitcher capable of mid-rotation ace-level performance. This controllability aligns with Chicago’s philosophy of blending proven talent with internal depth to construct a sustainable playoff-caliber staff. The Nationals’ desire to move Gore is genuine, and their asking price has softened since the summer. This creates a realistic trade window where both sides can achieve their objectives without overreaching. Chicago’s interest in Gore is further amplified by the lack of comparably controllable, proven strikeout pitchers available via free agency. In other words, Gore offers both impact and stability, a combination difficult to secure elsewhere.

2. Trade Proposal and Structure

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A viable trade package for Gore could involve sending the Nationals a mix of major-league-ready talent and upside prospects without including Chicago’s most coveted internal assets. The Cubs could offer outfielder Owen Caissie, right-handed pitcher Brandon Birdsell, second baseman James Triantos, and outfielder Kevin Alcantara to Washington in exchange for left-hander MacKenzie Gore. This proposal respects previous negotiations by excluding Matt Shaw and Cade Horton, whom Washington had targeted in the summer, while still providing the Nationals with quality players who can contribute immediately or develop into core pieces. Caissie and Alcantara offer athletic tools and potential power, Triantos brings bat-to-ball skills, and Birdsell adds pitching depth. For Washington, this package accelerates the rebuild while maintaining flexibility to develop arms internally. For Chicago, the addition of Gore immediately elevates the rotation, providing high-leverage innings behind Shota Imanaga and complementing a core of Horton, Justin Steele, and Matthew Boyd. His presence transforms the rotation into one capable of meaningful October contributions.

3. Strategic Fit for Both Teams

The trade aligns with each organization’s goals. The Nationals receive a mix of controllable major-league talent and high-upside prospects, supporting a rebuild while addressing positional needs. Meanwhile, the Cubs secure a strikeout-heavy, cost-controlled starter who fills a clear rotation void. Gore’s addition preserves Chicago’s financial flexibility while adding quality innings, reducing reliance on free agents or riskier internal options. With two years of control, he provides a bridge to longer-term rotation plans while immediately impacting the team’s postseason prospects. Time is critical: the Winter Meetings represent the final opportunity for the Cubs to execute this acquisition. Missing out could leave them pursuing less ideal alternatives, underscoring the urgency of acting decisively. The deal would exemplify a win-win approach, addressing Washington’s rebuilding goals and Chicago’s immediate playoff ambitions without compromising either team’s long-term plans.