<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/mlb/washington-nationals/nationals-news-nationals-sign-2023-all-star-to-1-35-million-deal');   ga('set', 'title', 'Nationals sign 2023 All-Star to $1.35 million deal');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Josiah-Gray-has-returned-to-the-Nationals.jpg"><figcaption>Greg Lovett / USA TODAY NETWORK</figcaption></figure><h1>Nationals sign 2023 All-Star to $1.35 million deal</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-12-12T17:04:50-08:00">December 12th, 5:04pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-12-12T17:04:50-08:00">December 12th, 5:04pm</time><address><a>Steve Silverman</a>Steve Silverman has been covering the NFL for more than 35 years, and his writing has appeared in ESPN Magazine, Bleacher Report, CBS Sports, Pro Football Weekly, and Forbes.com. He has written 10 books, including "Who's Better, Who's Best in the NFL." He has won multiple awards from the Pro Football Writers of America.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">MLB</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Washington Nationals and starting pitcher Josiah Gray have come to an agreement on a one-year contract that will allow the team and the pitcher to avoid arbitration. Gray has agreed to a new deal that will pay him $1.35 million in the 2026 season, according to ESPN MLB insider Jeff Passan.</p><p>Gray was an All-Star for <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/baltimore-orioles/orioles-news-mackenzie-gore-trade-talks-nationals">the Nationals</a> during the 2023 season he pitched 159.0 innings for the Nationals. He had an 8-13 record that season with a 3.91 earned run average. He made 30 starts for the Nationals that season and he struck out 143 batters in 159.0 innings.</p><p>Gray made just 2 starts in 2024 before he was disabled by the Nationals. He had Tommy John surgery as a result and missed all of the 2025 season. Gray will earn the same amount of money he made last season while he was out of commission.</p><p>The 27-year-old Gray has 4 Major League seasons to his credit, including 3-plus seasons with the Nationals and one partial season with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He has a 17-27 career record with a 4.84 ERA and 382 strikeouts in 386.2 innings. The Nationals are hoping he can demonstrate the durability that he had 2022 and ’23. He made 28 starts in ’22 before his 30-start season in ’23.</p><h2><b>Nationals looking for improved pitching</b></h2><p><a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/washington-nationals/nationals-rumors-jeff-passan-teases-mackenzie-gore-cj-abrams-trade-package">The Nationals</a> have five players who are scheduled for arbitration at this point, including three pitchers. Those hurlers include right-handers Cade Cavalli and Jake Irvin, and left-hander MacKenzie Gore.</p><p>Irvin did a decent job for the Nationals and he was their most dependable starter last year. He made 33 start and had a 9-13 record. He pitched a team-high 180.0 inning and struck out 124 batters with a 5.70 ERA.</p><p>Mitchell Park made 30 starts and he finished the season with a 9-16 season. He struck out 103 batters while pitching 164.2 innings. He had a 5.68 ERA for the Nationals.</p><p>Gore also made 30 starts for the Nationals and he had a 5-15 record with a 4.17 ERA. Gore struck out 185 batters in 159.2 innings.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Nationals sign 2023 All-Star to $1.35 million deal

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/mlb/washington-nationals/nationals-rumors-trade-cj-abrams-gore-toboni');   ga('set', 'title', 'Nationals rumors: The trade candidate 1 insider would be ‘surprised’ to see moved');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Washington-Nationals-Rumors.jpg"><figcaption>Brad Mills-Imagn Images.</figcaption></figure><h1>Nationals rumors: The trade candidate 1 insider would be ‘surprised’ to see moved</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-12-11T12:19:03-08:00">December 11th, 12:19pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-12-11T12:19:03-08:00">December 11th, 12:19pm</time><address><a>Josh Davis</a>Josh Davis is an Associate Editor at ClutchPoints with a focus on MLB. As the founder and creator of OutOfSightSports, Josh spearheads the development and expansion of an engaging social media platform, with a core focus on Twitter/X. A passionate sports writer, Josh is dedicated to delivering compelling content that connects fans and fuels vibrant sports conversations. His vision is to craft stories so vivid that fans feel like they’re standing at the plate or on the field.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">MLB</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Washington Nationals entered the 2025 Winter Meetings with a clear message — they are open for business. But even as calls pour in from rival clubs, there’s a limit to how far the Nationals front office will go. The balance between activity and caution defines <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/washington-nationals/mlb-rumors-nationals-mackenzie-gore-emerging-as-serious-trade-candidate">the Nationals 2025 MLB offseason</a> plans, led by newly hired President of Baseball Operations Paul Toboni.</p><p>According to FanSided’s Robert Murray, who reported from the Winter Meetings in Orlando, the Nationals <a href="https://fansided.com/mlb/winter-meetings-takeaways-what-the-yankees-orioles-mets-red-sox-and-more-are-planning-next" rel="noopener">are drawing significant attention</a> around several young talents. He noted the following in a feature post.</p><p>“The Nationals are receiving interest in MacKenzie Gore and CJ Abrams, among others. Gore seems like a realistic possibility to move with the interest is massive. Teams have tried on CJ Abrams, but I’d be surprised if he moved. Still, the Nationals are open for business, and teams will keep calling them all winter.”</p><p>Murray’s insight underscores how trade talks surrounding MacKenzie Gore have intensified this winter. Multiple teams view the southpaw as a strong trade candidate and continue to explore ways to add him to their rotation. Gore holds significant value, and as the Nationals reshape their roster, they may move him to secure impactful assets for the future.</p><p>The bigger headline, though, comes from the persistent trade rumors <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/washington-nationals/nationals-rumors-jeff-passan-teases-mackenzie-gore-cj-abrams-trade-package">linked to CJ Abrams</a>. Toboni heard the rising speculation around the shortstop and expressed surprise at how quickly it spread. Despite heavy interest from opposing teams, Toboni and the Nationals front office remain firm on keeping Abrams, who stays under team control through 2029. The level of contractual stability raises the asking price to a franchise-altering return before the Nationals would even consider a deal.</p><p>For now, the Nationals are expected to continue fielding calls through the winter. But all indications suggest Abrams will be anchoring shortstop when Opening Day arrives — while <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/washington-nationals/nationals-rumors-washington-rushing-trade-mackenzie-gore">Gore’s name could headline</a> the next big trade.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Nationals rumors: The trade candidate 1 insider would be ‘surprised’ to see moved

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/mlb/baltimore-orioles/orioles-news-mackenzie-gore-trade-talks-nationals');   ga('set', 'title', 'Orioles in talks with Nationals about possible MacKenzie Gore trade');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Baltimore-in-talks-with-Nationals-about-possible-MacKenzie-Gore-trade.jpg"><figcaption>Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images.</figcaption></figure><h1>Orioles in talks with Nationals about possible MacKenzie Gore trade</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-12-09T20:39:52-08:00">December 9th, 8:39pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-12-09T20:39:52-08:00">December 9th, 8:39pm</time><address><a>Josh Davis</a>Josh Davis is an Associate Editor at ClutchPoints with a focus on MLB. As the founder and creator of OutOfSightSports, Josh spearheads the development and expansion of an engaging social media platform, with a core focus on Twitter/X. A passionate sports writer, Josh is dedicated to delivering compelling content that connects fans and fuels vibrant sports conversations. His vision is to craft stories so vivid that fans feel like they’re standing at the plate or on the field.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Baltimore Orioles</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Baltimore Orioles have reentered the MLB offseason spotlight as they engage with the Washington Nationals in trade discussions involving left-hander MacKenzie Gore. Early indications suggest interest is real, but progress toward a finalized deal remains limited.</p><p>The discussions carry weight for both teams, as the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/baltimore-orioles/orioles-rumors-baltimore-trade-talks-marlins-starter">Orioles seek a frontline upgrade</a> and the Nationals look to accelerate its rebuild with a significant prospect haul that aligns with its long-term plan.</p><p>MLB Network’s Jon Morosi posted on his X (formerly known as Twitter) account, noting the teams have remained in steady contact about a possible move for the young starter. His update <a href="https://x.com/jonmorosi/status/1998604184074252458?s=20" rel="noopener">offered</a> rare insight into a potential Nationals and Orioles trade that could influence the trajectory of both clubs in 2026 and beyond.</p><p>“The Nationals and Orioles have had steady communication about MacKenzie Gore, sources said tonight. There is no indication yet that a deal is close.</p><p>The Orioles have not completed a trade with the Nationals since the franchise moved to D.C.”</p><p>If completed, this move would mark the first trade between the organizations since the Nationals relocated to Washington in 2005. The long-standing freeze, largely fueled by disputes surrounding their shared regional sports network, has made such talks nearly unthinkable for two decades.</p><p>From a baseball standpoint, Gore’s value is clear. The 26-year-old southpaw made his first All-Star team in 2025, posting a 4.17 ERA with 185 strikeouts in 159.2 innings. He remains under team control through 2027, giving Baltimore the type of cost-effective, high-upside arm it has been seeking all winter.</p><p>For the Nationals, moving the southpaw would fit a rebuild strategy aimed at acquiring multiple top prospects. <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/baltimore-orioles/orioles-news-baltimore-farm-system-still-ranked-no-1-after-corbin-burnes-trade">Baltimore, armed with</a> one of baseball’s deepest farm systems, could meet that price if it decides Gore is the missing piece to elevate its playoff hopes.</p><p>While there’s no indication a deal is imminent, the conversation itself signals progress — perhaps the thawing of the coldest rivalry in modern baseball history.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Orioles in talks with Nationals about possible MacKenzie Gore trade

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/mlb/washington-nationals/nationals-rumors-washington-rushing-trade-mackenzie-gore');   ga('set', 'title', 'Nationals rumors: Washington not in any rush to trade MacKenzie Gore');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Nationals-pitcher-Mackenzie-Gore-vs-Marlins.jpg"><figcaption>Jim Rassol-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Nationals rumors: Washington not in any rush to trade MacKenzie Gore</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-12-09T11:06:29-08:00">December 9th, 11:06am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-12-09T11:06:29-08:00">December 9th, 11:06am</time><address><a>Yasmin Edañol</a>Yasmin D.G. Edañol is a PhD candidate in Chemistry at the University of the Philippines Diliman, with a background in scientific research and publishing. He brings a data-driven perspective to sports storytelling as an Associate Editor at ClutchPoints, with a focus on the NBA. Whether it's breaking down a clutch play or a stat line, he believes every great moment has a deeper layer waiting to be uncovered.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">MLB</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Washington Nationals <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/washington-nationals/mlb-rumors-nationals-mackenzie-gore-emerging-as-serious-trade-candidate">push through the Winter Meetings with a clear message</a>: <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/washington-nationals/nationals-rumors-mlb-insiders-pump-brakes-mackenzie-gore-trade">they are listening on MacKenzie Gore, but they are not rushing into a trade</a>. Teams continue to call. Executives continue to probe. And yet the trade conversation remains steady because the Nationals sees value in patience. They see a young arm with upside, team control, <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/washington-nationals/nationals-rumors-blockbuster-trade-expected-jumpstart-new-era">and room to grow under a revamped system</a>.</p><p>New president of baseball operations Paul Toboni <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6875731/2025/12/09/washington-nationals-mackenzie-gore-trade-decision/" rel="noopener">believes in development</a>. He believes the Nationals can make Gore better. His early moves reflect that vision. He traded for catcher Harry Ford, a defensive upgrade who can sharpen Gore’s strengths. He also vowed to overhaul the Nationals’ information and technology. “We’re sitting here thinking to ourselves, ‘Gosh, it’s going to be really fun to see a player achieve X, Y and Z,’ once we put them in this environment to develop,” Toboni said. Under the lights of the Winter Meetings, that optimism matters.</p><h2>A calculated wait for the Nationals, not a refusal</h2><p><a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/washington-nationals/nationals-rumors-blockbuster-trade-expected-jumpstart-new-era">MacKenzie Gore has become one of the most popular names</a> in Orlando. His projected 2026 salary is low. His ceiling remains enticing. But the Nationals also know the risks of timing. Gore isn’t a free agent until 2028. If he improves next season, his value spikes. If he stalls or suffers another injury, the window narrows. That tension shapes every call the front office receives. Toboni admits the Nationals must stay open-minded, saying they have to listen when “other teams come our way and give strong offers.”</p><p>Last season showed both sides of Gore’s future. He dominated in the first half with a 3.02 ERA and an All-Star nod. Then he faded, dealing with a 6.75 ERA and late-season injuries. Washington believes the right structure unlocks the earlier version. Rival clubs want to bet on that version, too.</p><p>Now everyone waits. Will a strong trade offer push Washington forward, or will the Nationals bet on MacKenzie Gore reaching his peak in their new system?</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Nationals rumors: Washington not in any rush to trade MacKenzie Gore

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/mlb/washington-nationals/mlb-rumors-nationals-mackenzie-gore-emerging-as-serious-trade-candidate');   ga('set', 'title', 'MLB rumors: Nationals’ MacKenzie Gore emerging as serious trade candidate');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Nationals-SP-MacKenzie-Gore.jpg?w=1024"><figcaption>Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>MLB rumors: Nationals’ MacKenzie Gore emerging as serious trade candidate</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-12-05T17:13:38-08:00">December 5th, 5:13pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-12-05T17:13:38-08:00">December 5th, 5:13pm</time><address><a href="https://linktr.ee/jordan.llanes">Jordan Llanes</a>Jordan Llanes is a sports writer and reporter based in Florida. In addition to ClutchPoints, he writes for a few other publications covering the NFL, college sports and Tottenham Hotspur. When he's not writing, Jordan enjoys spending time with his fiancée, cats, family and friends, as well as catching the latest TV shows and movies, and traveling.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">MLB</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>With a <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/washington-nationals/nationals-news-washington-hire-ex-red-sox-assistant-gm-baseball-operations">new leadership duo of Paul Toboni</a> and Blake Butera, the Washington Nationals hope they’ve found a pair of men to lead them to glory for at least the next decade. Toboni, the new president of baseball operations/general manager, is sure to be aggressive in pursuing his vision for the future of the franchise. One way to pursue that agenda? Trading pieces of the current major league roster. ESPN’s Buster Olney reported via X, formerly Twitter, <a href="https://x.com/Buster_ESPN/status/1997069060119711885" rel="noopener">that Washington could deal ace</a> MacKenzie Gore in the near future.</p><p>“Execs report a ton of trade talk going on right now, with some front office types saying teams are more open, more willing than in recent years to discuss a range of players,” Olney posted Friday evening. “There is a perception in a couple of front offices that the Nats’ Mackenzie Gore will definitely be among those moved in the days ahead.”</p><p>Toboni, fresh off a stint as a member of the Boston Red Sox, hired Butera last month to be the Nationals’ new manager. At 33 years old, Butera is now the youngest manager in Major League Baseball. If Toboni <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/washington-nationals/nationals-rumors-jeff-passan-teases-mackenzie-gore-cj-abrams-trade-package">does elect to trade Gore,</a> what kind of package can he receive that will help Washington’s rebuild not only right now, but in the future as well?</p><h2><b>Nationals look to complete rebuild under new leadership</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Nationals-president-of-baseball-operations-Paul-Toboni-and-manager-Blake-Butera.jpg"><figcaption>Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>In a Gore deal, <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/washington-nationals/nationals-rumors-blockbuster-trade-expected-jumpstart-new-era">Toboni could be facing</a> his first major decision as the lead baseball decision maker for the Nationals. The 26-year-old is certainly good enough to stay with Washington through the rest of their rebuild. At some point, they’ll need a couple of veterans in their rotation. Why shouldn’t Gore be a part of that?</p><p>However, the package that the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/mlb-stories/mlb-rumors-red-sox-mackenzie-gore-trade-suitor-padres-reunion">Nationals would receive for Gore</a> could be a pretty big one. For a team look to add more talent to an ongoing rebuild, Toboni could work with any number of potential partners to get the best return. The question right now isn’t if Gore gets traded? Rather, it’s a question of when he’ll be dealt. However it long it takes, hopefully Toboni gets a return ready to help Butera on the major league roster.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

MLB rumors: Nationals’ MacKenzie Gore emerging as serious trade candidate

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/mlb/washington-nationals/nationals-rumors-jeff-passan-teases-mackenzie-gore-cj-abrams-trade-package');   ga('set', 'title', 'Nationals rumors: Jeff Passan teases potential MacKenzie Gore-CJ Abrams trade package');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Mackenzie-Gore-1.jpg"><figcaption>Brett Davis-Imagn Images.</figcaption></figure><h1>Nationals rumors: Jeff Passan teases potential MacKenzie Gore-CJ Abrams trade package</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-11-18T10:23:46-08:00">November 18th, 10:23am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-11-18T10:23:46-08:00">November 18th, 10:23am</time><address><a>Zachary Weinberger</a>Zachary Weinberger joined ClutchPoints in October 2023 as a Miami Heat reporter as well as an Associate Editor. He graduated from Florida Atlantic University in 2022 after covering the school's athletic programs since his freshman year at the FAU University Press, where he was a Sports Editor and Editor-in-Chief. He then covered FAU Sports for The Palm Beach Post.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">MLB</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>While the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/washington-nationals/nationals-rumors-blockbuster-trade-expected-jumpstart-new-era">Washington Nationals are surrounded by rumors</a> for the offseason, there are a few players that some have speculated could be traded, such as MacKenzie Gore. With <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/washington-nationals/nationals-rumors-mlb-insiders-pump-brakes-mackenzie-gore-trade">Gore and the Nationals being engulfed in trade rumors</a>, MLB insider Jeff Passan would float the idea of a potential package, including the pitcher.</p><p>In Passan’s latest column about previewing the offseason through the winter, one area was talking about how there are teams that are looking into the price for shortstop CJ Abrams. Saying that there is an anticipation that Gore is traded, a deal with him and Abrams <a href="https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/46999006/mlb-2025-26-offseason-passan-predictions-free-agency-kyle-tucker-schwarber-alex-bregman" rel="noopener">“would be tough to beat.”</a></p><p>“Teams are gauging the cost to acquire Washington shortstop CJ Abrams,” Passan wrote. “It’s not quite Max Scherzer and Trea Turner to the Dodgers in 2021, but a Gore/Abrams package would be tough to beat.”</p><p>“Executives anticipate Gore will be dealt,” Passan continued. “This is where the specter of an extended lockout is muddying the market. Gore has two years until free agency. Teams will want to price the uncertainty into any potential deal, and that could force new president of baseball operations Paul Toboni to wait until the trade deadline.”</p><h2><b>Nationals trading MacKenzie Gore is not a certainty </b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/MacKenzie-Gore.jpg"><figcaption>Brett Davis-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>As <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/los-angeles-dodgers/dodgers-trade-they-must-offer-nationals-for-mackenzie-gore">trade offers to the Nationals for Gore</a> could be plenty from other teams, there are people in the baseball world who are pumping the brakes on a deal. One such as Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon, <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6816195/2025/11/18/seattle-mariners-jorge-polanco-market-mlb-notes/" rel="noopener">who would explain why</a> a Gore deal might not happen.</p><p>“Washington lefty MacKenzie Gore, under club control for two more seasons with a projected arbitration number of $4.7 million, would seem a more obvious candidate to move,” Rosenthal and Sammon wrote. But even with Gore, who plays for a rebuilding club, there is an argument to wait,” Rosenthal and Sammon wrote.</p><p>“Gore, who turns 27 in February, is one of the Nats players new president of baseball operations Paul Toboni believes might find ‘another gear,'” they continued. “The interest in him at the trade deadline, when free-agent alternatives are not available, should be even more intense. And naturally, the Nats think Gore might benefit from working with their new pitching coach, Simon Mathews.”</p><p>Washington looks to improve after finishing 66-96.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Nationals rumors: Jeff Passan teases potential MacKenzie Gore-CJ Abrams trade package

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/mlb/washington-nationals/nationals-rumors-mlb-insiders-pump-brakes-mackenzie-gore-trade');   ga('set', 'title', 'Nationals rumors: MLB insiders pump brakes on MacKenzie Gore trade certainty');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Aug-26-2025-Bronx-New-York-USA-Washington-Nationals-starting-pitcher-MacKenzie-Gore-1-pitches.jpg"><figcaption>© Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Nationals rumors: MLB insiders pump brakes on MacKenzie Gore trade certainty</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-11-18T07:13:42-08:00">November 18th, 7:13am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-11-18T07:13:42-08:00">November 18th, 7:13am</time><address><a href="https://linktr.ee/colinloughran">Colin Loughran</a>Colin Loughran is a NYC-based Associate Editor at ClutchPoints. He has spent several years covering sports and has worked for outlets such as the New York Post, AP Radio, and FanSided. Colin is also a three-time NYSBA award winner and a proud graduate of Fordham University.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">MLB</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The MLB offseason has arrived, and while the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/washington-nationals/nationals-news-washington-hires-former-reds-assistant-pitching-coach">Washington Nationals might be looking to make improvements</a> that will help the club’s long-term future, the front office might not view <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/los-angeles-dodgers/dodgers-trade-they-must-offer-nationals-for-mackenzie-gore">trading starting pitcher MacKenzie Gore</a> as a wise strategy.</p><p>According to Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon of The Athletic, the Nationals <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6816195/2025/11/18/seattle-mariners-jorge-polanco-market-mlb-notes/" rel="noopener">could choose</a> to keep Gore on the team even though other clubs could be interested in a potential trade.</p><p>“Washington lefty MacKenzie Gore, under club control for two more seasons with a projected arbitration number of $4.7 million, would seem a more obvious candidate to move. But even with Gore, who plays for a rebuilding club, there is an argument to wait,” Rosenthal and Sammon wrote.</p><p>“Gore, who turns 27 in February, is one of the Nats players new president of baseball operations Paul Toboni believes might find “another gear.” The interest in him at the trade deadline, when free-agent alternatives are not available, should be even more intense. And naturally, the Nats think Gore might benefit from working with their new pitching coach, Simon Mathews.”</p><p>Gore went 5-15 with a 4.17 ERA across 30 starts last season as the Nationals sputtered to a 66-96 record as a team. The Wilmington native earned his first All-Star nod after posting a 3.02 ERA over his first 19 starts of the year, but only put up a 6.75 ERA through his final 11 starts.</p><p>According to Baseball Savant, Gore ranked in the 79th percentile <a href="https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/savant-player/mackenzie-gore-669022?stats=statcast-r-pitching-mlb" rel="noopener">in Breaking Run Value</a> and the 80th percentile in K%.</p><p>It remains to be seen if the Nationals would be willing to part with Gore, but the southpaw could be a name to monitor this winter.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Nationals rumors: MLB insiders pump brakes on MacKenzie Gore trade certainty

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/mlb/los-angeles-dodgers/dodgers-trade-they-must-offer-nationals-for-mackenzie-gore');   ga('set', 'title', 'Dodgers’ trade they must offer Nationals for MacKenzie Gore');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Dodgers-trade-they-must-offer-Nationals-for-MacKenzie-Gore.jpg"></figure><h1>Dodgers’ trade they must offer Nationals for MacKenzie Gore</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-11-17T08:03:16-08:00">November 17th, 8:03am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-11-17T08:03:16-08:00">November 17th, 8:03am</time><address><a>Garrett Kerman</a>Garrett Kerman also goes by the name of The Fight Analyst. He covers all combat sports, from MMA, to boxing, to even bare-knuckle. He is also very well-versed in all American sports when it comes to news and betting analysis. Whether you want betting advice or some breaking news, Garrett is your guy.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Los Angeles Dodgers</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Los Angeles Dodgers have all the ammunition they need to <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/mlb-stories/5-most-likely-mlb-stars-traded-2025-26-offseason">swing a deal for Washington Nationals ace MacKenzie Gore</a>. After winning back-to-back World Series championships, Los Angeles knows that acquiring elite starting pitching remains their best path to a third consecutive title and matching the 1998-2000 Yankees. Gore represents exactly the type of controllable, young ace that the Dodgers should be willing to sacrifice their prospect depth for this offseason.</p><p>MacKenzie Gore finished the 2025 season with 185 strikeouts over 159.2 innings for the Nationals, showcasing exactly why he’s one of the most coveted pitchers in baseball. The left-hander led the majors with an impressive 10.4 K/9 ratio and made his first All-Star appearance, establishing himself as a legitimate ace-in-waiting. Most importantly, Gore is under team control through 2027, meaning the Dodgers would lock in years of elite production without breaking the bank on free agency.</p><p>The Nationals are in full rebuild mode and finished last in the National League East with a 66-96 record in 2025. Their rotation outside of Gore was catastrophic, with no other starter posting an above-average ERA-plus. Washington desperately needs to acquire young talent that can help them compete down the line, and the Dodgers’ overflowing farm system gives them plenty to offer.</p><h2>The Perfect Trade Package for MacKenzie Gore</h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/MacKenzie-Gore.jpg"><figcaption>Brett Davis-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>The Dodgers must offer the Nationals a package built on elite prospect talent. Here’s what Los Angeles should propose:</p><p><b>Dodgers Receive:</b></p><ul><li>LHP MacKenzie Gore</li></ul><p><b>Nationals Receive:</b></p><ul><li>Josue De Paula, OF</li><li>Alex Freeland, SS/3B</li><li>Eduardo Quintero, OF</li><li>Mike Sirota, OF</li></ul><p>This package gives the Nationals a genuine foundation for their rebuild while maintaining Los Angeles’ ability to compete in 2026. Jackson Ferris already possesses three potentially plus pitches and has the ceiling to develop into a frontline starter himself. Kyle Hurt provides another high-upside arm who can grow within Washington’s system over the next few years. Noah Schultz represents another young pitcher who can contribute to their pitching depth moving forward.</p><h2>Why This Trade Makes Sense for Both Teams</h2><p>From the Dodgers’ perspective, this deal strengthens their rotation immensely without forcing them to part with their very top position player prospects like Josue De Paula or Zyhir Hope. Los Angeles can afford to trade elite pitching prospects because they have incredible depth on that front, with numerous arms throughout their minor league system ready to contribute. Adding Gore to a rotation already featuring Shohei Ohtani, Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, and Yoshinobu Yamamoto would create an unmatched pitching arsenal in baseball.</p><p>The Nationals receive a haul of young pitching talent that directly addresses their greatest weakness from 2025. Washington desperately needs to build pitching depth behind Gore, and this package gives them multiple arms with legitimate upside. Ferris especially represents the type of front-line starter potential that Washington needs to construct around Gore during the rebuild. Trayce Thompson provides an immediate major league contributor who can play the outfield while the younger players develop.</p><p>General manager Brandon Gomes and president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman have shown their willingness to sacrifice prospect depth when acquiring premium talent. This offseason presents the perfect opportunity to go all-in on Gore, a pitcher who remains under control and fits the Dodgers’ championship timeline perfectly. Los Angeles won the World Series in 2024 as defending champs, and acquiring Gore sends a message that another ring is absolutely the goal in 2026.</p><p>The window for the Dodgers remains wide open with their talented core, and Gore provides the missing piece that could establish their rotation as the best in baseball. This trade package balances prospect depth while giving the Nationals legitimate building blocks for their future. Both teams walk away satisfied, and the Dodgers take another major step toward their third consecutive championship.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Dodgers’ trade they must offer Nationals for MacKenzie Gore

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/mlb/athletics/athletics-news-joey-meneses-contract');   ga('set', 'title', 'Athletics agree to contract with ex-Nationals infielder');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Joey-Meneses.jpg"><figcaption>Rafael Suanes-Imagn Images.</figcaption></figure><h1>Athletics agree to contract with ex-Nationals infielder</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-11-15T12:05:40-08:00">November 15th, 12:05pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-11-15T12:05:40-08:00">November 15th, 12:05pm</time><address><a>Josh Davis</a>Josh Davis is an Associate Editor at ClutchPoints with a focus on MLB. As the founder and creator of OutOfSightSports, Josh spearheads the development and expansion of an engaging social media platform, with a core focus on Twitter/X. A passionate sports writer, Josh is dedicated to delivering compelling content that connects fans and fuels vibrant sports conversations. His vision is to craft stories so vivid that fans feel like they’re standing at the plate or on the field.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Athletics</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Athletics have made a veteran addition to their offseason roster plan. MLB.com’s Martín Gallegos reported Saturday that the club reached a deal with <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/new-york-mets/mets-news-new-york-contract-nationals-joey-meneses">Joey Meneses</a>, a 33-year-old first baseman and outfielder formerly with the Washington Nationals.</p><p>Gallegos shared the news on X (formerly known as Twitter), <a href="https://x.com/MartinJGallegos/status/1989777086664642807?s=20" rel="noopener">confirming the structure</a> of the contract and summarizing Meneses’ career production.</p><p>“A’s have signed 1B/DH Joey Meneses to a Minor League deal with an invite to Spring Training, per source.</p><p>Career .274 hitter with 29 homers, 61 doubles and 165 RBIs in three seasons with the Nationals 2022-24. Spent last season in Mets’ system and played in Mexico this winter.”</p><p>The signing gives the A’s a low-risk, high-reward option as they continue shaping their 2026 roster. Meneses broke out in 2022 after an 11-year Minor League journey, hitting .324 with 13 home runs in 56 games during his remarkable rookie campaign for the Nationals. He followed with another productive year in 2023, batting .275 with 13 homers and 89 RBIs across 154 games.</p><p>However, his 2024 season brought a setback as his numbers dipped to a .231 average with just three home runs before spending time in the Minor Leagues. After a year in the Mets’ system and a productive winter stint in Mexico, the journeyman first baseman now gets another opportunity to prove he belongs back in the majors.</p><p><a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/athletics/athletics-news-a-agree-sign-ex-rays-pitcher-bolster-depth">For the Athletics, the move</a> fits their strategy of finding undervalued veterans who can compete for roster spots in Spring Training. With power bats like Brent Rooker and young prospects such as Nick Kurtz competing for at-bats, Meneses adds valuable experience and depth.</p><p>If he can regain the consistency that made him a fan-favorite in Washington, he could play a meaningful role for the A’s in 2026 — a fitting chapter for one of baseball’s most persistent late bloomers and inspiring comeback stories in recent memory.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Athletics agree to contract with ex-Nationals infielder

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/mlb/washington-nationals/nationals-news-washington-hires-former-reds-assistant-pitching-coach');   ga('set', 'title', 'Nationals hire former Reds assistant as pitching coach');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Gore-Nationals.jpg"><figcaption>Brad Mills-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Nationals hire former Reds assistant as pitching coach</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-11-11T14:29:47-08:00">November 11th, 2:29pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-11-11T14:29:47-08:00">November 11th, 2:29pm</time><address><a>Dan Fappiano</a>Dan Fappiano is a Connecticut-based sports journalist with over five years of professional experience. After graduating from Central Connecticut State University with a bachelor's degree in journalism, he has covered every sport from fencing to football in the online and print medium. Dan hopes to see his beloved Bears win a Super Bowl someday.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">MLB</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>After not even sniffing the playoffs over the last six seasons, the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/washington-nationals/nationals-news-washington-front-office-changes">Washington Nationals decided to make major organizational changes</a>. Now, the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/washington-nationals/nationals-news-blake-butera-rays-bench-coach-hire">latest addition to new manager Blake Butera’s staff</a> has been named.</p><p>The Nationals <a href="https://x.com/Russ_Dorsey1/status/1988356019538612300" rel="noopener">have hired</a> Simon Mathews as their next pitching coach, via Russell Dorsey and Jake Mintz of Yahoo Sports. Mathews most recently served as an assistant pitching coach with the Cincinnati Reds. He had been with the organization since 2021.</p><p>Mathews is only 30-years-old, having graduated from Georgetown in 2017. However, Butera being only 33-years-old himself, Washington is going all-in on youthfulness. Washington’s manager <a href="https://x.com/MarkZuckerman/status/1988360582785818754/photo/1" rel="noopener">has full belief</a> in Mathews’ abilities despite his age, via Mark Zuckerman of MASN.</p><p>“Simon brings a tremendous amount of knowledge and a wide range of experience to our staff,” Butera said. “He is grounded, has great perspective on pitching and connects incredibly well with players at all levels. He is widely respected throughout the game and the type of coach that makes everyone around him better. Simon is a tireless worker and is uniquely equipped to help our pitchers reach their full potential.”</p><p>While Mathews is getting a full endorsement on his way in, he’ll have his work cut out for him in Washington. The Nationals finished their 2025 campaign ranked 29th in team ERA with a 5.35 mark.</p><p>Things will get even trickier <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/washington-nationals/nationals-rumors-blockbuster-trade-expected-jumpstart-new-era">if Washington trades away ace MacKenzie Gore</a>. But it’s clear the Nationals are taking their franchise in a completely different direction.</p><p>Mathews will now help lead that charge and gradually get Washington back into contention.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Nationals hire former Reds assistant as pitching coach

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/mlb/washington-nationals/nationals-news-blake-butera-rays-bench-coach-hire');   ga('set', 'title', 'Nationals manager Blake Butera brings over Rays confidant as bench coach');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Blake-Butera.jpeg"><figcaption>Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images.</figcaption></figure><h1>Nationals manager Blake Butera brings over Rays confidant as bench coach</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-11-10T16:49:49-08:00">November 10th, 4:49pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-11-10T16:49:49-08:00">November 10th, 4:49pm</time><address><a>Josh Davis</a>Josh Davis is an Associate Editor at ClutchPoints with a focus on MLB. As the founder and creator of OutOfSightSports, Josh spearheads the development and expansion of an engaging social media platform, with a core focus on Twitter/X. A passionate sports writer, Josh is dedicated to delivering compelling content that connects fans and fuels vibrant sports conversations. His vision is to craft stories so vivid that fans feel like they’re standing at the plate or on the field.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">MLB</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Washington Nationals are continuing their overhaul under new leadership, as <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/washington-nationals/nationals-news-washington-mlb-youngest-manager-over-50-years">first-year manager Blake Butera</a> brings a trusted colleague from the Tampa Bay Rays to join his staff. The Nationals have named Michael Johns their new bench coach, officially beginning a new chapter in the franchise’s rebuild. The move highlights Butera’s intent to blend youthful leadership with proven experience, aiming to create a cohesive, forward-thinking culture built on trust and player development.</p><p>The hire marks one of the first major moves of the Butera era and reflects a growing league-wide trend. More teams are now adopting the innovative methods long associated with the Rays coaching tree. Johns, who served as Tampa Bay’s first-base coach for the past two seasons, also managed several affiliates within the organization and built a strong professional bond with Butera during their time together.</p><p>The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal took to his X (formerly known as Twitter) to <a href="https://x.com/Ken_Rosenthal/status/1987917622000939108" rel="noopener">confirm the move</a>, noting how Johns’ experience will complement Washington’s rookie skipper. He wrote,</p><p>“Michael Johns, the Rays’ first-base coach the past two seasons, will be the bench coach for new Nationals manager Blake Butera, sources tell @TheAthletic. Johns managed the Rays’ Triple A club in 2023 and five other affiliates over eight seasons.”</p><p>The relationship between <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/washington-nationals/nationals-news-mike-piazza-glowingly-blake-butera">the Nationals’ new manager</a> and Johns extends far beyond the dugout. Johns once supervised Butera during his time in the Rays’ minor league system, making the reunion both strategic and personal. For the Nationals, it’s a calculated step toward stability as the organization continues to modernize its baseball operations under President of Baseball Operations Paul Toboni.</p><p>Johns brings nearly two decades of coaching and development experience to Washington. His arrival helps fill a crucial gap for Butera, who at 33 years old becomes the youngest manager in Major League Baseball since 1972. Their shared history also creates an early foundation of trust and alignment. Together, they plan to install a philosophy centered on analytics, player development, and efficiency. They will also emphasize adaptability and communication—hallmarks of the Rays’ success over the past decade.</p><p>As the club enters the 2026 season, the message is clear. This isn’t just a rebuild — it’s a rebrand of the club’s identity, built on trust, innovation, and shared experience.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Nationals manager Blake Butera brings over Rays confidant as bench coach

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/mlb/mlb-stories/5-most-likely-mlb-stars-traded-2025-26-offseason');   ga('set', 'title', '5 MLB stars most likely to be traded during 2025-26 offseason');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/5-most-likely-MLB-stars-who-will-be-traded-during-2025-26-offseason.jpg"></figure><h1>5 MLB stars most likely to be traded during 2025-26 offseason</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-11-10T13:57:05-08:00">November 10th, 1:57pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-11-11T07:29:22-08:00">November 11th, 7:29am</time><address><a>Bailey Bassett</a>Bailey Bassett is a sports writer from Denver, Colorado, covering major sports events and athlete backgrounds at ClutchPoints. He has experience covering and writing on high school, collegiate, and professional sports.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Arizona Diamondbacks</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The MLB offseason is here. <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/mlb-stories/mlb-free-agents-best-players-available-2025-26-offseason">There are several great free agents</a> who are free to sign with any team. The Los Angeles Dodgers proved that offseason talent acquisition is of the utmost importance, as they’ve won back-to-back World Series titles after being huge free agent spenders.</p><p>Most teams don’t have the payroll power of the Dodgers, though, which means adding talent in the trade market might be more optimal. So, check out the gallery to see the five best trade candidates during the 2025-26 MLB offseason.</p><h2><b>5. Sandy Alcantara, Miami Marlins, SP</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Sandy-Alcantara-2.jpg"><figcaption>Sam Navarro-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>Sandy Alcantara had a pretty bad 2025 season, which included an incredibly slow start after returning from Tommy John surgery. This slow start meant that Alcantara’s value was at an all-time low, so the Miami Marlins didn’t trade him in hopes that his value would improve as more time passed after his surgery.</p><p><a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/miami-marlins/marlins-news-sandy-alcantara-reaches-miami-pitching-territory-phillies">Alcantara improved as the season went on</a>, and teams may now have more interest in trading for him. Alcantara won a Cy Young as recently as 2022, and at his best, he is one of the most talented starting pitchers in baseball. He still has nasty stuff; teams will just hope that his command returns to form. If it does, he should bounce back in the ERA department.</p><h2><b>4. Nolan Arenado, St. Louis Cardinals, 3B</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Nolan-Arenado.jpg"><figcaption>Eakin Howard-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>Nolan Arenado has regressed in recent years. That doesn’t change the fact that he is one of the best defensive players in MLB history. While no longer the perennial Gold Glove infielder he once was, Arenado’s defense at the hot corner is still elite. Arenado is also coming off career lows in batting average and home runs in a non-COVID season, though.</p><p>The third baseman is trending the wrong way, which makes him a risky trade acquisition, but the Cardinals may see the writing on the wall and decide to get something while they still can for Arenado. If last season was just a down season, a trade partner could get Arenado at a cheap rate. Arenado has a no-trade clause, and <a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/nolan-arenado-blocks-trade-cardinals-astros" rel="noopener">he rejected deals</a> to the Houston Astros and Los Angeles Angels last year. This go around, he may be more willing to accept a change of scenery, especially because it is obvious that St. Louis is done with him.</p><h2><b>3. Joe Ryan/Pablo Lopez, Minnesota Twins, SP</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Joe-Ryan_da13aa.jpg"><figcaption>Bill Streicher-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>The Minnesota Twins blew the ship up at the trade deadline. They dealt nearly everybody of note, including Carlos Correa, Harrison Bader, Griffin Jax, Louis Varland, Brock Stewart, Danny Coulombe, Ty France, and Willi Castro. Two of their trade chips who weren’t moved were Joe Ryan and Pablo Lopez. The team dealt 11 players in total in an effort to get their finances in check.</p><p>Minnesota will likely further their rebuild this offseason, and that could include dealing their two best pitchers now that both are in a better place to be moved. Ryan wasn’t dealt during the season because he is still on a cheap contract, and Lopez was hurt around the trade deadline. Both players are controllable for years to come and could return a decent haul for the Twins.</p><h2><b>2. Ketel Marte, Arizona Diamondbacks, 2B</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Ketel-Marte_55dad4.jpg"><figcaption>Denis Poroy-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>The<a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/mlb-stories/eugenio-suarez-trade-grades-mariners-diamondbacks"> Arizona Diamondbacks traded infielders Eugenio Suarez</a> and Josh Naylor in the midst of big seasons during the trade deadline. Ketel Marte could be the next to go. The second baseman has made the All-Star Game three times in total, including in each of the past two seasons.</p><p>Marte batted .283 with 28 home runs this past season. The Diamondbacks may be motivated to move him sooner rather than later, before a no-trade clause kicks in.</p><h2><b>1. MacKenzie Gore, Washington Nationals, SP</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/MacKenzie-Gore.jpg"><figcaption>Brett Davis-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>MacKenzie Gore is another player who was considered a<a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/mlb-stories/2025-mlb-trade-deadline-ranking-10-best-players-potentially-available"> trade candidate at the MLB trade deadline</a>. Gore is a former number three overall pick and a former elite prospect. He has lived up to his potential so far, as he made the All-Star Game for the Washington Nationals last season.</p><p>Gore was heavily sought after at the trade deadline because he looked like a Cy Young candidate for much of the year. He had a rough patch midway through the season, but he has the potential to be a true ace going forward. The Nationals have a new front office, so trading Gore could kick off a new era in Washington.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Griff
McGarry

Latest Related Team News

Nationals sign 2023 All-Star to $1.35 million deal

Nationals rumors: The trade candidate 1 insider would be ‘surprised’ to see moved

Orioles in talks with Nationals about possible MacKenzie Gore trade

Nationals rumors: Washington not in any rush to trade MacKenzie Gore

MLB rumors: Nationals’ MacKenzie Gore emerging as serious trade candidate

Nationals rumors: Jeff Passan teases potential MacKenzie Gore-CJ Abrams trade package

Nationals rumors: MLB insiders pump brakes on MacKenzie Gore trade certainty

• Dodgers’ trade they must offer Nationals for MacKenzie Gore

• Athletics agree to contract with ex-Nationals infielder

• Nationals hire former Reds assistant as pitching coach

• Nationals manager Blake Butera brings over Rays confidant as bench coach

• 5 MLB stars most likely to be traded during 2025-26 offseason

Griff McGarry

Latest Related Team News

Nationals sign 2023 All-Star to $1.35 million deal

Nationals rumors: The trade candidate 1 insider would be ‘surprised’ to see moved

Orioles in talks with Nationals about possible MacKenzie Gore trade

Nationals rumors: Washington not in any rush to trade MacKenzie Gore

MLB rumors: Nationals’ MacKenzie Gore emerging as serious trade candidate

Nationals rumors: Jeff Passan teases potential MacKenzie Gore-CJ Abrams trade package

Nationals rumors: MLB insiders pump brakes on MacKenzie Gore trade certainty

• Dodgers’ trade they must offer Nationals for MacKenzie Gore

• Athletics agree to contract with ex-Nationals infielder

• Nationals hire former Reds assistant as pitching coach

• Nationals manager Blake Butera brings over Rays confidant as bench coach

• 5 MLB stars most likely to be traded during 2025-26 offseason

Griff
McGarry