One analyst reiterates the Washington Nationals have no need to pull the trigger on a quick deal for MacKenzie Gore, plus an intriguing idea at both catcher and first base
The ongoing question as to when the Washington Nationals will pull the trigger on a trade surrounding starting pitcher MacKenzie Gore hit the headlines once again during the first full week of 2026 with the New York Mets joining the New York Yankees as teams actively monitoring the starting pitcher. Reports from the Mets' pursuit pointed to a high asking price for Gore, a continued sign that while president of baseball operations Paul Toboni is open to engaging in discussions, the desire to make an immediate move remains low.
That's the sentiment that Mark Polishuk of MLB Trade Rumors reiterated in his fan chat on Sunday with Gore likely to materialize into the Nationals' Opening Day starter against the Chicago Cubs on March 26.
"My stance on Gore hasn’t changed. Washington isn’t going to move him unless they get the moon and stars in return, since the Nats have no immediate need to move him now," Polishuk wrote on Sunday.
But maybe the more intriguing response came when asked about a hypothetical trade that would open the door for Harry Ford, one of the Nationals' offseason trade acquisitions after parting with reliever Jose A. Ferrar.
Polishuk was also asked about the idea of the Nationals trade catcher Keibert Ruiz and infielder Luis Garcia in exchange for Houston Astros first baseman Christian Walker, a move that would address a key question in the infield.
"Walker has $40MM left on his contract and Ruiz $35MM, so the Nationals wouldn’t be saving all that much money, even with Garcia added. Also, the Nats have barely anything on the payroll ledger anyway, so it’s not like they need to clear salary space. The answer to the Ford/Ruiz situation will just be that Ford starts and Ruiz is (an overpaid) backup. While the Nats do need a 1B, they’re more likely to pursue a Rhys Hoskins type as a stopgap. And, not to pile on, but another flaw in this proposal is that Garcia doesn’t have a place to play in Houston," Polishuk added.
Ruiz was limited to just 68 games in 2025 after battling concussions through the season and while he's only in year two of an eight-year contract, the expectation has been that Ford will get a chance to compete with hopes of materializing into the latest piece on the Nationals' young core. Ford was also named the Nationals' prospect to watch in 2026 by MLB.com
“I love that I’m going to get a chance to fight for a spot on the team,” Ford said after being traded to Washington. “I know the other catchers, Ruiz and [Riley] Adams, so I’m really glad and excited to get to work with them as well. But I am thankful for the chance to be, I guess, a little more in the conversation than in Seattle.”
After signing a two year, $34 million contract with the Milwaukee Brewers ahead of the 2024 season, Hoskins had his team option declined and remains an available free agent midway through the offseason with rumblings quiet about a potential landing spot. Though an uninspiring move, Hoskins would still address a weakness with no long-term answer expected to materialize at first base for the Nationals roughly two months before the 2026 season begins.