Mets Eyeing MacKenzie Gore: Is Steve Cohen Playing the Yankees’ Game?

The New York Mets are once again making headlines this offseason, but this time it’s not about their pursuit of a power hitter or splashy free-agent signing. Instead, they’ve turned their attention to a familiar target on the starting pitching market: left-handed pitcher MacKenzie Gore, who is generating significant buzz among baseball fans in the Big Apple.

According to Pat Ragazzo of Sports Illustrated, the Mets have expressed strong interest in Gore, reaching out to the Washington Nationals about a potential trade. The Mets’ involvement in the pitching market is nothing new—this offseason has seen them aggressively targeting high-end starters to bolster their rotation. However, what makes this situation particularly interesting is the fact that the Mets are entering the race for Gore at the same time the New York Yankees have also shown interest in acquiring him.

MacKenzie Gore: A Young, Dynamic Arm for the Mets’ Rebuilding Rotation

The Mets’ interest in Gore makes perfect sense on paper. At just 24 years old, Gore has already established himself as one of the most promising young left-handed pitchers in the game. With a repertoire that includes a dominant fastball, a devastating slider, and impressive command, Gore has all the tools to become a frontline starter in any rotation. His youth and controllability make him exactly the type of player the Mets have been targeting as they work to reshape their starting pitching staff under a new front office philosophy.

Gore is coming off a strong 2025 season with the Nationals, where he posted solid numbers and continued to show why he was one of the top pitching prospects in baseball when he was first drafted. While the Nationals have not been competitive in recent years, Gore has consistently impressed with his ability to handle tough situations, making him an intriguing option for any team looking to upgrade their pitching staff.

For the Mets, who are still in the process of building a team capable of contending for a championship, adding a young arm like Gore could pay immediate and long-term dividends. He provides them with a high ceiling, offering the potential to become a staple in their rotation for years to come.

The Yankees and Mets in Competition: A Familiar Dynamic

What makes this situation even more intriguing is the fact that the New York Yankees have also been linked to Gore. The Yankees, who are always in the market for top-tier pitching talent, see Gore as a potential trade target and have reportedly made inquiries with the Nationals. However, with the Mets jumping into the mix and doing so aggressively, it adds a humorous layer to the offseason rivalry between the two New York teams.

Over the past few years, Steve Cohen’s Mets have made it clear that they are not afraid to play the role of the “big spender” in the city, and part of that philosophy seems to be built on poaching talent from the Yankees. The rivalry between the Mets and Yankees has always been a point of pride for fans of both teams, but the Mets’ aggressive pursuit of players the Yankees covet has taken things to a new level.

If the Mets were to land Gore, it would not only be a major acquisition for their pitching staff but also a huge psychological win in their ongoing battle with the Yankees. The idea of the Mets swooping in to take a player that the Yankees are also targeting is a storyline that fans from both teams would surely revel in.

A Potential Hurdle for the Mets: The Nationals’ Reluctance

However, there is one factor that could potentially derail the Mets’ pursuit of Gore: the Nationals’ reluctance to trade him within the National League East. While the Mets have the prospect depth and financial flexibility to make a compelling offer for Gore, the Nationals might be hesitant to send him to a division rival. This could create a significant obstacle for the Mets, especially if the Yankees, with their deeper pockets and bigger trade assets, are able to make a more appealing offer to Washington.

The Nationals are in a rebuilding phase, and while they may be open to trading a young pitcher like Gore, they would likely prefer to send him to an American League team to avoid having to face him multiple times a season. That being said, if the Mets can put together a strong package of prospects—something they are certainly capable of—they could convince the Nationals to overlook the divisional rivalry and pull the trigger on a deal.

What Would a Trade for Gore Look Like?

If the Mets are serious about acquiring Gore, it will likely take a package of high-value prospects to make it happen. The Mets have a solid farm system, with several top-tier prospects that could appeal to the Nationals. Names like Ronny Mauricio, Mark Vientos, and Jett Williams have been mentioned in trade rumors and could be used as part of a package to acquire Gore. Additionally, the Mets could include major league talent like outfielder Starling Marte or catcher Tomas Nido to sweeten the deal.

For the Mets, trading for Gore would be an investment in their future. With his age, stuff, and potential, Gore could become the cornerstone of their rotation for years to come, allowing the Mets to build around him as they look to contend for championships. While giving up prospects in any trade is always a risk, adding a pitcher of Gore’s caliber could be the move that propels the Mets back into the postseason conversation.

The Mets’ Offseason Pitching Strategy: A Long-Term Vision

Gore is not the only pitcher the Mets have been linked to this offseason. Every rumor coming out of Flushing has pointed toward the Mets’ intent to add another high-end starter to their rotation. The Mets have already made some significant moves in this regard, but acquiring a young, controllable arm like Gore would align with their long-term vision.

In recent years, the Mets have leaned heavily on established veterans like Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer, but with the future in mind, adding younger arms could provide them with a more sustainable rotation. Gore would fit seamlessly into this approach, providing the Mets with a dynamic left-handed presence at the front of their rotation for years to come.

Conclusion: Mets’ Aggressive Pursuit of MacKenzie Gore Signals Intent to Compete

The Mets’ aggressive pursuit of MacKenzie Gore is a clear signal that they are serious about reshaping their pitching staff and building a team that can compete for championships. Gore’s combination of youth, talent, and control makes him a prime target for a team looking to solidify their rotation for the long haul. If the Mets can pull off a trade for the talented lefty, it would not only improve their pitching staff but also make a significant statement in their rivalry with the Yankees.

As the offseason continues to unfold, the Mets’ front office is clearly focused on improving their team, and landing Gore would be a major step in that direction. While the Yankees may still be in the mix, the Mets’ willingness to go after a player they know the Yankees want only adds fuel to the fire in this ongoing New York baseball rivalry. If Gore ends up in Flushing, it will be a win for the Mets—both on the field and in the battle for bragging rights in the city.