Latest MLB Trade Rumors Surrounding MacKenzie Gore and Top Players Available
Equally as hot as free agent talks at this year's MLB winter meetings is trade talk surrounding some intriguing and equally high-profile talent in the big leagues.
From starting pitchers to one of the best offensive players in the majors, there are several stars who could be on the move as teams leverage them in return for needs at other positions or draft picks amid rebuilds.
Who are the players at the center of the talks?
Top insiders from around the game have the latest in this collection of rumors.
Nationals Pitcher "Definitely" Moving
1 of 3
The Washington Nationals' MacKenzie Gore is one of the better, more intriguing young pitchers in baseball, and, as Buster Olney of ESPN reported, he will be switching teams imminently. He wrote that the 26-year-old lefty "will definitely be among those moved in the days ahead."
The third overall pick in the 2017 draft tallied a 4.17 ERA, 185 strikeouts, and 3.0 WAR in 30 starts. The latter two were the best of his four seasons in the majors.
A young thrower with good stuff, he played for a bad Washington team that is likely headed toward (another) rebuild and could utilize their best pitcher to garner more draft picks and expedite the process.
That Gore is a free agent after the 2027 season and has an agent in Scott Boras who is unlikely to allow his client to sign for a penny less than what he is worth, and then some, adds to Washington's willingness to trade him.
At the peak value of his young career, Gore should net a bountiful return, one that the hapless Nationals will need to help turn things around in the nation's capital.
Will Sammon and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic noted that "it is believed that more than half the league has at least checked in on" Gore, which is not at all surprising given every team's desire to field the best starting rotation possible.
The New York Mets and Baltimore Orioles, two teams well known to be looking for starters, are worth watching in regards to the pitcher.
Update on Arizona Moving Ketel Marte
2 of 3
The Arizona Diamondbacks' Ketel Marte is one of the best offensive second basemen in baseball but his name has been at the center of trade discussions since the end of the 2025 season.
Jeff Passan of ESPN provided an update on efforts to move the veteran.
"The Diamondbacks aren't clamoring to move him. They also know that with five very affordable years under contract, Marte is among the most valuable players in baseball, thanks to his combination of productivity and cost," he wrote.
That friendly contract, combined with the D'backs desire to beef up their rotation, has led to the trade chatter surrounding Marte.
Olney noted, "The Diamondbacks told interested teams in July that they wouldn't trade Marte, but their posture now is very different; they have to improve their rotation, and the quickest way to do that would be to swap Marte."
The 32-year-old hit 28 home runs, drove in 72, and had the eighth-best OPS in baseball with .893. His 4.4 WAR was third-best on the team.
The deciding factor in whether Marte returns to Arizona for the 2026 season will ultimately be whether interested teams have a starting pitcher that appeals to the Diamondbacks enough to necessitate the trade.
If not, he may enter the season as a potential deadline trade chip for Arizona, thus keeping his name in rumors and speculation.
Miami Trading A Starting Pitcher?
3 of 3
Passan also reported that the Marlins are "almost certain to move a starting pitcher this winter, and Edward Cabrera has generated the most interest."
Cabrera went 8-7 in 2025, with a 3.53 ERA and a career-high 150 strikeouts. He was valued at 2.8 wins above replacement.
He generated the most ground balls of his career, too, with 177, an improvement of 50 over his previous year's work.
Sandy Alcantara is the other Marlins pitcher who has been at the forefront of trade chatter, but it appears Cabrera may find a new home first, if Passan's intel pans out.
The Marlins is a frequent seller in the name of acquiring picks and prospects, so it is not particularly surprising that the organization would be discussing deals for two of its most prized assets.
.jpg?w=600 "Bryce Harper Trade Landing Spots 🛬")
