The Cubs must make this trade offer for the Nationals’ Mackenzie Gore

The Chicago CubsThe pitching situation calls for immediate action, and McKenzie Gore represents an ace in the middle of the rotation who could transform their rotation into a legitimate World Series threat. The Washington Nationals are actively shopping Gore as part of their organizational rebuild under new management, and the Cubs must act decisively to bring the 26-year-old left-hander to Wrigleyville before the Winter Meetings end. This is their window, and the price has never been more affordable.

Gore’s 2025 season proves his worth despite an inconsistent record. The first-time All-Star struck out 185 batters in 159⅔ innings, maintaining a solid record throughout the season with two years of affordable arbitration control. The Nationals’ asking price has come down from their July demands, creating an opening for a team willing to match them with a balanced package that addresses Washington’s positional needs.

The case of MacKenzie Gore in Chicago

The Cubs’ 2025 season confirmed that their offensive core is championship-caliber, but their starting rotation remains an Achilles’ heel. With Kyle Tucker headed for free agency, the organization can’t rely solely on free agent pitchers to shore up its rotation. Gore gives them a manageable, proven alternative with strikeout stuff that would be perfect behind Shota Imanaga in the rotation.

Gore’s 4.17 ERA masks his effectiveness. His 185 strikeouts rank among the league leaders, and his fastball velocity remains elite. The Nationals are serious about moving him, and Buster Olney reports that multiple teams expect a trade to materialize within days. The Cubs can’t afford to let another franchise take this controllable talent.

The perfect trading package

The Cubs’ organizational depth makes them uniquely positioned to make an offer that works for both parties. Here’s what Chicago should propose:

Citizens get:

• OR Owen Casion
• RHP Brandon Birdsell
• 2B James Triantos
• OF Kevin Alcantara

Cubs receive:

This package avoids the inclusion of Matt Shaw or Cade Horton — prospects who were specifically targeted in July — allowing both organizations to move forward without renewing previous negotiations. The deal gives Washington true major league talent along with top prospects, while Chicago retains its most desirable in-house assets.

Why both parties benefit

The Nationals get legitimate position player help in a rebuilding scenario while retaining their ability to develop starting pitching internally. Caissie and Alcantara bring immediate athletic tools with power potential, while Triantos offers proven batting skills that could contribute at the major league level within months. Birdsell provides quality depth to complement their developing arms.

For the Cubs, this trade elevates their starting rotation into legitimate contention territory. Gore’s two years of control means Chicago provides cost-effective ace-quality innings when it matters most. Their pitching depth – Imanaga, Cade Horton, Justin Steele and Matthew Boyd – is already forming a solid foundation, and Gore is transforming it into something that can win games in October.

The Cubs have explored multiple free agent options, but Gore offers something those conversations can’t match: manageability, proven bullpen stuff and a multi-year tenure. This is the trade they should make before December closes the 2026 aspirational window.