1 hit the Orioles must make after the MLB Winter Meetings

The Baltimore Orioles sits at a crossroads. Despite investing in their pitching rotation this offseason with Shane Bass and Ryan Helsley, they should still be in the hunt for an elite rotation arm heading into 2026. The Winter Meetings in Orlando illuminated one undeniable truth: The Orioles need an ace-caliber pitcher, and Mackenzie Gore of the Washington Nationals fits the bill perfectly to round out their roster and push them over the top in what promises to be a competitive AL East.

Gore, a left-handed starter who finished the 2025 season with 185 strikeouts despite going 5-15, has the stuff and pedigree that playoff teams crave. While his win-loss record raises eyebrows, his underlying metrics tell a different story – a pitcher capable of dominating lineups on a nightly basis. The 26-year-old former top prospect has matured into the player the Nationals drafted, and the Orioles have the organizational depth to make a compelling offer that fits Washington’s rebuilding timeline.

Why MacKenzie Gore is the answer

Gore’s talent is undeniable. His plus fastball, devastating slider and improved changeup form a three-pitch arsenal that plays at the highest level. In 2025, he led the National League in strikeouts per nine innings and maintained a 4.17 ERA despite receiving inconsistent run support and pitching in a struggling Nationals lineup. The Orioles, with a nucleus of competitive talent in their core, can provide Gore with the environment he needs to thrive — strong defense, offensive production and a bullpen that can protect prospects in high-leverage situations.

The Nationals, meanwhile, are in a rebuilding process that could last another 3-5 years. Trading Gore now, while his value remains high due to his age and control through 2026, allows Washington to accelerate a return to its prospects and young talent. It’s a win-win negotiation, and the Orioles have the ammunition to make it happen.

Trade offer

The Orioles must present this package to the Nationals:

The Orioles receive:

Citizens get:

• 1B Coby Maio
• C Ike Irish
• LHP Louis of Leon

This proposal carries considerable weight. Coby Mayo, who made some improvements in his second stint in the majors, batting .217 in his Major League debut, remains a high-ceiling prospect with plus-plus raw power and a career .926 OPS in Triple-A. Scouts believe in his ability to become a .280+ hitter with 25 home run potential once he adjusts to major league speed. At 24, he still has a significant advantage.

Ike Irish, the Orioles’ 2025 first-round draft pick out of Auburn, is a switch catcher with an advanced offensive skill set and a legitimate path to an above-average hitter in the majors. His .350 career average at Auburn and impressive at-bat record indicate he can be more than a prospect—he can be a future everyday contributor.

Luis De Leon, a 22-year-old lefty on the rise again, bounced back from a devastating 2024 season with a stellar 3.30 ERA and 107 strikeouts in 87.1 innings across the minor leagues. His dominance against left-handed hitters and improved command make him a legitimate starter profile that tends to rise in 2026.

The Orioles need to pull the trigger on this deal. Gore gives them the ace they desperately need, and Baltimore’s competitive window is now.