Astros’ perfect trade offer for Nationals’ MacKenzie Gore

The Houston Astros face a critical juncture this offseason, and addressing their rotation depth has become the defining priority. With Hunter Brown carrying an unrealistic burden as the sole reliable ace, the front office must act decisively to acquire proven starting pitching talent. One target that stands out as an ideal fit is Washington Nationals left-hander MacKenzie Gore, an All-Star performer with multiple years of control and the upside to anchor a contending rotation.

The math works. The Nationals are in rebuild mode and would benefit more from injecting young talent into their system than holding onto an arbitration-eligible pitcher with an uncertain contract future. Gore is a Scott Boras client unlikely to extend with Washington, meaning his trade value decreases with each passing year. The Astros can meet the Nationals’ asking price with a package that addresses their organizational needs while remaining fair to both sides.

The Trade Proposal

Houston Astros receive:

• LHP MacKenzie Gore

Washington Nationals receive:

• OF Jacob Melton
• SS Brice Matthews
• RHP Miguel Ullola
• LHP Brandon Walter

Why This Deal Makes Sense

Jacob Melton represents the crown jewel of this package. The second-ranked prospect in Houston’s system provides the Nationals with an outfield piece with legitimate power upside. His 109 mph average exit velocity and 113 mph peak velocity demonstrate true offensive ceiling, and his platoon potential against left-handers actually fits modern roster construction. His defensive metrics in center field grade as elite—a 70 on the scouting scale—making him a foundational piece for a rebuilding franchise.

Brice Matthews adds another young infield piece with star potential. The 2023 first-rounder from Nebraska projects as a plus defensive shortstop with 20-25 home run pop and elite speed. Matthews stole 32 bases en route to Triple-A last season and has the athleticism and intelligence scouts covet. For Washington, Matthews represents a long-term answer at shortstop with club control through his arbitration years.

Miguel Ullola brings low-cost depth to the Nationals’ rotation. The 23-year-old right-hander spent the 2025 season improving and offers the Nationals a cost-controlled arm with potential to develop into a mid-rotation starter. His youth allows Washington flexibility to either integrate him into their system or flip him at the deadline for additional assets.

Brandon Walter rounds out the package as salary relief and organizational depth. The left-hander provides the Nationals additional pitching depth without demanding significant investment. His veteran presence could prove valuable in a rebuilding clubhouse.

The Astros’ Logic

For Houston, Gore transforms the rotation entirely. The 26-year-old lefty logged 185 strikeouts across 159⅔ innings in 2025, demonstrating the strikeout prowess and durability the Astros desperately need. His contract runs through 2027 at arbitration rates, providing multiple years of control at reasonable cost—perfect for an organization operating under payroll constraints.

Gore’s elite strikeout production provides the innings quality Hunter Brown cannot generate alone. Pairing Gore with Brown creates a formidable ace-and-two foundation, while Cristian Javier and Lance McCullers Jr. round out a suddenly respectable rotation. The Astros finally address their single greatest weakness without sacrificing too much present-day roster depth.

The Nationals’ Perspective

Washington eliminates an arbitration risk and receives tangible young talent addressing immediate organizational needs. The club controls Melton and Matthews through their prime arbitration years, aligning with the team’s competitive timeline. Receiving three position player prospects and one young pitcher demonstrates the Nationals’ commitment to rebuilding the right way while managing payroll efficiently.

This deal represents the kind of win-win trade that shapes franchises. The Astros inject proven stardom into their rotation while surrendering expendable organizational depth. The Nationals accelerate their rebuild timeline with multiple controllable assets. Gore thrives pitching for a contender while the Nationals pivot toward sustainable growth.

The Winter Meetings await. It’s time for both organizations to make the bold move that changes their trajectories.

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