The Chicago Cubs are heading into the offseason with one thing clearly at the top of their to-do list: pitching. And not just any arms-they’re eyeing controllable starters who can make an impact now while still fitting into their long-term plan. That’s where MacKenzie Gore comes back into the picture.
Gore was on the Cubs’ radar at the trade deadline last July, and there’s good reason to believe that interest hasn’t cooled. According to reports, the Nationals are open to moving the 26-year-old left-hander this winter, with an eye toward replenishing their farm system. And if that’s the case, the Cubs could be one of the first teams to call.
Let’s break down why Gore makes sense for Chicago. He’s under team control for two more seasons, which fits perfectly with the Cubs’ current competitive window.
His career ERA sits at 4.19-not eye-popping-but that number doesn’t tell the full story. What jumps off the page is his 25.6% strikeout rate, a number that puts him firmly in the “swing-and-miss” category.
Pair that with the Cubs’ elite defense behind him, and you start to see the potential for a breakout.
The Cubs don’t need a finished product-they need a pitcher with upside who can grow into a frontline role. Gore checks that box. He’s already shown flashes of dominance, and in the right environment-one with strong infield defense and a pitching-minded coaching staff-he could take another step forward.
Of course, acquiring a pitcher like Gore won’t come cheap. Matt Shaw’s name came up in talks at the deadline, and he could be back on the table.
The young third baseman is one of the more intriguing pieces in the Cubs’ system, but with free agents like Bo Bichette, Alex Bregman, and Eugenio Suarez available this winter, the front office might feel comfortable dealing from that position of depth. If not Shaw, expect the Nationals to ask for a package built around other top prospects.
This isn’t just about Gore, though. The Cubs are casting a wide net.
Other names like Tarik Skubal, Freddy Peralta, Sandy Alcantara, and Joe Ryan have been floated around the league, but each comes with complications. Peralta, for example, is unlikely to be moved within the division by the Brewers.
Alcantara is recovering from injury. Skubal and Ryan may simply be too valuable for their current teams to part with.
That’s why Gore stands out. He’s attainable, he’s talented, and he fits the mold of what the Cubs are trying to build.
He also aligns with the kind of calculated, forward-looking moves president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer tends to make. That includes international names like Tatsuya Imai, another potential target who fits into the Cubs’ strategy of acquiring cost-effective, high-upside arms.
There’s a different energy around this Cubs offseason. Last year felt like a wait-and-see approach.
This time, there’s a sense of urgency. The NL Central is wide open, and the Cubs know they’re a few key pieces away from being serious contenders.
If Gore is available, don’t be surprised if Chicago makes a strong push to bring him in.
This winter could be about more than just filling out the rotation-it could be about taking a big swing. And MacKenzie Gore might just be the pitch they’re ready to hit.
