Dodgers Target MacKenzie Gore to Strengthen Championship Rotation

The Los Angeles Dodgers, fresh off back-to-back World Series titles, are setting their sights on elite starting pitching to sustain their championship window. MacKenzie Gore, the left-handed ace of the Washington Nationals, represents precisely the type of controllable, high-upside talent that aligns with Los Angeles’ ambitions. The Dodgers are prepared to leverage their deep farm system to make a deal that could solidify their rotation for years to come.

Gore emerged as one of the most dominant pitchers in 2025, recording 185 strikeouts across 159.2 innings and leading the majors with a 10.4 K/9 ratio. The All-Star left-hander has established himself as a legitimate ace while remaining under team control through 2027, allowing any acquiring team to secure multiple years of high-level production without entering free agency.

For the Nationals, the 2025 season was a low point, finishing last in the National League East with a 66-96 record. Outside of Gore, their rotation struggled dramatically, with no other starter posting an above-average ERA-plus. This rebuild situation makes Washington highly motivated to acquire young, controllable talent to construct a competitive core for the future.

The Dodgers’ farm system, brimming with pitching prospects, positions them perfectly to engage in a trade that benefits both teams. Los Angeles can target Gore without sacrificing its elite position-player prospects while the Nationals receive multiple young arms to accelerate their rebuild.

1. Proposed Trade Package

A potential trade could see the Dodgers acquiring MacKenzie Gore while sending a group of high-upside pitching prospects to Washington. The package might include Josue De Paula, Alex Freeland, Eduardo Quintero, and Mike Sirota—four young arms with significant developmental potential. Each of these players provides different assets for the Nationals’ rebuilding rotation. De Paula and Freeland possess multiple plus pitches and the potential to become frontline starters, while Quintero and Sirota offer additional depth and future versatility. Collectively, the package strengthens Washington’s foundation and addresses their primary weakness from 2025. For the Dodgers, the trade adds Gore to a rotation already featuring Shohei Ohtani, Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, and Yoshinobu Yamamoto. This would create one of the most formidable rotations in modern baseball, giving Los Angeles an advantage as they pursue a third consecutive championship. By structuring the deal around high-upside but not untouchable prospects, the Dodgers maintain organizational depth while acquiring a controllable ace who can anchor the rotation through 2027, fitting perfectly with their championship timeline.

2. Benefits for Both Teams

For Los Angeles, acquiring Gore enhances an already dominant pitching staff without compromising their top position-player prospects. The Dodgers’ minor-league system is rich with pitching talent, allowing them to trade effectively while still maintaining a pipeline of future contributors. The Nationals receive a haul of young arms to address their long-term pitching deficiency. Ferris, in particular, projects as a potential frontline starter, providing a cornerstone around which Washington can rebuild its rotation behind Gore. The package also includes players who can contribute at the major-league level sooner, helping bridge the gap while younger pitchers develop. This trade aligns with the philosophies of Dodgers GM Brandon Gomes and president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman, who have historically been willing to part with prospect depth to acquire premium talent. Gore’s youth, control, and immediate impact potential make him an ideal fit for Los Angeles’ championship aspirations. The proposed swap presents a scenario where both franchises benefit: the Dodgers strengthen a rotation capable of contending for another World Series, while the Nationals gain a foundational group of pitching prospects to accelerate their rebuild.

3. Looking Ahead

The Dodgers’ window for sustained dominance remains wide open with their current core of elite talent. Adding Gore could transform the team’s pitching staff into one of the best in baseball, complementing a lineup and rotation already built for October contention. For Washington, the trade represents a chance to rebuild with clarity and direction. Acquiring multiple high-upside pitchers allows the Nationals to construct a competitive rotation around Gore, ensuring the left-hander is supported while the organization rebuilds strategically. This offseason could prove pivotal for both franchises. Los Angeles seeks to continue its dynasty by adding the missing piece, while the Nationals aim to lay the groundwork for a long-term competitive team. If executed thoughtfully, the trade offers a win-win scenario: the Dodgers position themselves for a third consecutive title, and the Nationals gain the tools to rebuild efficiently around a bona fide ace.