Whiteville native Mackenzie Gore traded in blockbuster deal to the Texas Rangers
(WWAY) — 2025 All-Star selection and Whiteville native Mackenzie Gore has been traded in a blockbuster deal from the Washington Nationals to the Texas Rangers.
The Rangers sent a package of five prospects to the Nationals in exchange for Gore, headlined by infielder Gavin Fien. Fien was a first-round pick in the 2025 MLB Draft.
Gore was an All-Star for the first time last season but struggled down the stretch. He finished the year with a 5-15 record, a 4.17 ERA, and 185 strikeouts over 159.2 innings pitched.
Gore’s addition gives the 2023 World Series champions more front-line talent, joining two-time Cy Young Award winner Jacob deGrom.
Gore is under team control for the next two seasons and will make $5.6 million in 2026 after agreeing to a one-year deal with the Nationals to avoid arbitration.
Gore turns 27 next month and owns a 26-41 career record with a 4.19 ERA over four major league seasons, the past three with Washington.
He was the third overall pick in the 2017 amateur draft by the San Diego Padres and was traded to the Nationals in the 2022 deal that included Juan Soto.
Gore was drafted straight out of high school after completing his career at Whiteville High School.
During his junior season, Gore posted a 0.08 ERA with 174 strikeouts over 88.1 innings, finishing with a 12-1 record. As a senior, he went 11-0 with a 0.19 ERA and 158 strikeouts in 74.1 innings.
