The Washington Nationals are positioning themselves as potential sellers as the MLB trade deadline approaches. Starting pitcher MacKenzie Gore has emerged as a key player of interest among contending teams. Sources indicate that nearly every playoff contender has expressed interest in Gore, with the Nationals open to discussions regarding his availability. However, many observers believe that he is likely to remain in Washington for the foreseeable future.

At 26 years of age, Gore has had a challenging season, currently holding a record of 4-10 with a 3.52 ERA, a 1.27 WHIP, and accumulating 144 strikeouts over 117.2 innings pitched. His ability to generate strikeouts stands out, as demonstrated by his career total of 548 strikeouts in 490.1 innings. This season, he is on track to achieve personal bests in various statistics, including ERA, WHIP, and WAR, which explains why he is an appealing target for teams looking to strengthen their rosters for a playoff push.

Given his age, performance level, and the fact that he is under team control through the 2027 season, the Nationals are expected to set a high asking price for Gore. Early indications suggest that the current demand may not align with the offers being made, which could factor into his staying with the team as the trade deadline nears.