Some analysts are higher than others in the Washington Nationals' return in the trade package that sent MacKenzie Gore to the Texas Rangers.
The Washington Nationals officially pulled the trigger on the MacKenzie Gore trade on Thursday, dealing him in exchange for five prospects including Gavin Fien, who went 11 picks after the Nationals' top selection, Eli Willits, a year ago. After months of speculation and endless reports of teams linked to the Nationals' likely Opening Day starter, the Texas Rangers emerged as the surprise contender after the pair of cross-town rivals in the Mets and Yankees both being linked as recently as in the five days leading up to the announced trade. But for Washington and president of baseball operations, the move ends the looming cloud hanging over the franchise with uncertainty as to when, not if, a move materialized.
But how did the Nationals fare in the return haul? Some are higher on the young players received while others point to room for the Nationals to ask for more.
Baseball Trade Values, a website analyzing trades across MLB, noted the trade was a "major underpay" by Texas with several others noting the Rangers finalized a trade without giving up a top-100 selection. But that would be overlooking the fact that Texas had just one inside the top 100 - infielder Sebastian Walcott, who is ranked sixth overall by MLB.com.
Sporting News gave a rave review of the Nationals' haul with an 'A-' grade after noting the influx of talent infused into Washington's farm system. With a new front office and manager officially in the fold ahead of 2026, the return provides value and adds more talent in a sign of a "new era in Nationals baseball." Daniel Chavkin of Sporting News also noted the continued benefit the Nationals are reaping from the Juan Soto trade given that's how Gore arrived in Washington, setting the franchise up for years to come through the development that Toboni and his staff have prioritized.
USA Today gave the Nationals a 'C+' after noting "maybe one or two of these prospects work out" while cautioning the continued trade for prospects prolongs a rebuild with minimal results in the meantime. "We could give them an "incomplete," but we'll grade it based on throwing some darts and hoping for a bullseye," Charles Curtis added.
ESPN dished out a 'B' for Washington's trade, while FanSided was more bullish on the Nationals' return with a 'B+' grade with the lone complaint that a blue-chip prospect was not included in the haul though notes the "five promising prospects" included instead. Zachary Rotman of FanSided added that the addition of Gavin Fien adds to a loaded crop of infielders headlined by CJ Abrams, Brady House and Luis Garcia with Sever King in Double-A while Fien joins Eli Willits and Luke Dickerson in Single-A.
As we dive into the impact of the trade and what it means for the Washington Nationals in 2026 and beyond, Andrew Golden of the Washington Post noted the trade package "gives the Nats depth and restocks their farm system" with one baseball evaluator anonymously pointing out Washington has a debatable top-five farm system despite four of the top five prospects not close to reach the majors.
The new pieces, coupled with the latest additions on minor league deals in recent days, will look to begin gelling together during spring training beginning in less than one month.