Hot Stove League Update: Rangers Trade for Mackenzie Gore

 The Rangers pulled off what might be the biggest trade of this year's Hot Stove League by acquiring  much-discussed target, Mackenzie Gore LHP, from the Nationals for 5 prospects.  Let's break it down:

Rangers Get:

Mackenzie Gore LHP.  DOB:  2/24/1999.  6' 2", 193 lbs.  Arbitration Eligible.  Free Agent 2028.

2025(Nationals):  5-15, 4.17, 159.2 IP, 10.43 K/9, 3.61 BB/9, 0.91 GB/FB.  

Gore has long been projected to be a future ace but he's now 4 seasons into a MLB career and has a career ERA over 4. What has he done to earn that acclaim.  He has impressive stuff and some interesting peripheral numbers but he is a flyball pitcher with inconsistent command who is susceptible to gofer balls.  Rangers have 2 years to see if he turns into an ace but they gave up a haul to get him.

Nationals Get:

Gavin Fien SS.  DOB:  3/8/2007.  B-R, T-R.  6' 3", 200 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2029.

2025(A):  .220/.267/.341, SB, 6.7 BB%,  24.4 K%, 45 PA.

Rangers first round draft pick in 2025 out of HS, #12 overall.  Big for a SS and will probably eventually move to 3B.  Scouting report has power over hit.  A ball is an aggressive placement for a newly drafted HS player but Fien has a long way to go before he us MLB ready.

Alejandro Rosario RHP.  DOB:  1/6/2000.  6' 1", 182 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2026.

2024(A):  2-3, 2.11, 47 IP, 13.21 K/9, 0.96 BB/9, 2.42 GB/FB.

2024(A+):  2-2, 2.24, 41.1 IP, 13.14 K/9, 1.74 BB/9, 1.38 GB/FB.

Drafted in 5'th round 2023 out of college(Miami) had a tremendous 2024 season but missed all of 2025 with an elbow injury(presumably UCL and Tommy John surgery).  

Abimelec Ortiz 1B/OF.  DOB:  2/22/2002.  B-L, T-L.  5' 10", 230 lbs.  MLB Roster, 3 Options.

2025(AA):  .247/.343/.444, 16 HR, 3 SB, 11.3 BB%, 22.3 K%, 391 PA.

2025((AAA):  .283/.388/.565, 9 HR, SB, 12.7 BB%, 21.8 K%, 165 PA.

Power is only plus tool.  Probably limited to 1B/DH.

Devin Fitz-Gerald IF.  DOB:  8/17/2005.  B-S, T-R.  5' 10", 185 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2028.

2025(ACL):  .318/.423/.542, 6 HR, 5 SB, 13.1 BB%, 11.5 K%, 130 PA.

2025(A):  .250/.442/.281, 3 SB, 25.6 BB%, 20.9 K%, 43 PA.

5'th round draft pick out of HS in 2024.  Average to above-average tools across the board.  Nice start to pro career in 2025.

Yeremy Cabrera OF.  DOB:  7/2/2005.  B-L, T-L, 5' 11", 155 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2026.

2025(A):  .256/.364/.366, 8 HR, 43 SB, 11.5 BB%, 19.1 K%, 451 PA.  

Speed is best tool. Can get to the ball in the OF.  Some pop in the bat.

Comment:  Gore was arguably the top trade target of this year's Hot Stove League but on-field production lags behind the hype.  Nationals get a nice haul of prospects although none are a lock to ever be impact players at the MLB level.  Comparable package for Giants would have started with Gavin Kilen.