The Texas Rangers made one of the boldest moves of the offseason by acquiring left-hander MacKenzie Gore, significantly reshaping their rotation while paying a steep prospect price to Washington.
The Texas Rangers took a major step toward solidifying their pitching staff by acquiring left-handed starter Mackenzie Gore in a blockbuster trade with the Washington Nationals, a move that immediately upgrades the top of their rotation.
Speaking on MLB Network, Rangers beat writer Evan Grant explained that Texas has been actively surveying the trade market in search of high-end pitching help. The Rangers’ front office identified Washington as a willing partner, even though the Nationals made it clear that any deal for Gore would require a significant return.
Texas ultimately agreed to part with five of its top 20 prospects, a notable cost for an organization whose farm system is no longer considered deep. Still, the Rangers viewed Gore as a difference-maker capable of elevating the entire pitching staff.
With Gore joining Nathan Eovaldi and Jacob deGrom, Texas now boasts a formidable trio at the front of its rotation. That alignment also allows top prospect Jack Leiter to slide into a more manageable role, further strengthening the staff from top to bottom.
According to Grant, the Nationals’ return was headlined by infielder Gavin Fien, the Rangers’ most recent first-round pick, and fellow infielder David Gerald. Both players were considered must-haves for Washington as it continues to reshape its roster.
Grant noted that the Nationals had a long-standing interest in Fien, dating back to his amateur days, making him a central piece of the deal.
The package also includes right-hander Alejandro Rosario, a high-upside arm whose progress has been slowed by injuries. If healthy, Rosario still projects as a potential top-of-the-rotation starter.
Power-hitting corner infielder Avi Mack Ortiz adds depth, while young outfielder Jeremy Cabrera provides athleticism and center-field potential, though he remains several years away from the majors.
From Washington’s perspective, the trade aligns with a long-term rebuild, as most of the acquired prospects are three to four years from making a real impact at the big-league level. For Texas, the focus is much more immediate.
Grant emphasized that while Gore’s addition greatly improves the Rangers’ outlook, the team’s success in 2026 won’t rest solely on the rotation.
Much will depend on a group of young position players, including Jake Burger, Josh Jung, and Josh Smith, who are expected to take meaningful steps forward. If those pieces develop as hoped, the Rangers’ aggressive move for Gore could pay off in a big way.
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