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The Chicago Cubs are likely going to add to their rotation at the trade deadline. It’s just a matter of how they go about it.
The organization has been linked to the best starting pitchers who are expected to be traded, but there’s another one who should be on their radar: Washington Nationals ace MacKenzie Gore.
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Gore was just named to his first All-Star Game this season for the Nationals after posting a 3.02 ERA through 19 starts. His first start of the second half of the season is set for Sunday against the San Diego Padres, but he should be expected to pick up where he left off against his former organization.
As for the Cubs, they make a lot of sense as a landing spot for Gore for multiple reasons.
The Cubs saw a lot of success from Justin Steele prior to his injury, as well as Shota Imanaga. The two lefties have been a major part of Chicago’s rotation, which has put them in a position to buy at the deadline.
Chicago also has a strong farm system that could send a huge package to the Nationals in any deal involving Gore. The 26-year-old lefty has 2 1/2 years of team control remaining, so it would likely be a major return going to Washington.
Outfielders Owen Caissie (Cubs No. 1 prospect) as well as Kevin Alcántara (Cubs No. 4 prospect) are strong considerations to be in any trade for Gore. The deal would likely center around one of them, along with two more prospects in the Cubs’ top 10. It would look very similar to the package that sent Juan Soto to San Diego and Gore to the Nationals as part of the return.
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