Projecting a realistic MacKenzie Gore trade after Cubs get second chance

MacKenzie Gore was a logical trade target for the Chicago Cubs at the MLB trade deadline, and with Gore remaining a trade candidate this offseason, Jed Hoyer almost certainly will be placing a call to the Washington Nationals. As the Cubs look to upgrade their starting rotation, chances are they would prefer the trade market, considering they have the opportunity to land an ace like Gore without giving out a contract they've avoided since signing Yu Darvish before the 20218 season.

Among the reasons why the Cubs weren't able to get a deal done at the deadline for a pitcher like Gore is that teams were asking for a package that included Cade Horton, Matt Shaw, and Owen Caissie. The Cubs weren't going to make that deal, especially with Horton and Shaw being key pieces to their second-half run.

Since taking over the Nationals' front office, player development seems to be the focus for Paul Toboni. MLB Trade Rumors listed Gore as their top trade candidate this offseason, suggesting that a deal could look similar to what the Boston Red Sox gave up for Garrett Crochet last offseason. The Red Sox sent a four-player package to the Chicago White Sox that included two top-100 prospects.

This MacKenzie Gore trade idea gives Cubs a second chance to fix things

There are two things that Cubs fans need to keep in mind when it comes to Gore: His swing-and-miss profile should make him a clear ace once he moves away from the Nationals, and he is under control for two more seasons. Given those two factors, if the Cubs were to take advantage of this second chance, it would cost them at the top of their farm system.

Following the Crochet trade as the blueprint, it feels like given that Jaxon Wiggins will be included in a potential trade with the Nationals. If the Cubs were trading for a controllable bat, they likely would avoid including Wiggins in a trade, but for a cost-controlled Gore, they may not have a choice. Moises Ballesteros or Owen Caissie would be the other top prospect in the deal, and then a Jonathon Long type. Assuming the Nationals also want an arm they can plug into their rotation right away, Ben Brown may be another name in a potential deal.

The Cubs learned last season that if they wait until the deadline to address their biggest need, the prices will be even higher. A trade for Gore would deplete the top of the farm system, but if he ascends toward being the ace of the rotation, it might be worth it for the Cubs.