MacKenzie Gore trade may open the door for Reds to strike a deal with Nationals

The Washington Nationals traded All-Star starting pitcher MacKenzie Gore to the Texas Rangers as they look to remake their roster following another disappointing season in 2025. The Nats have new leadership at the top, and while it's doubtful Washington's brass is entertaining a full-on rebuild, there are some players who could be had for the right price. Might the Cincinnati Reds be interested?

According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic (subscription required) the Nationals are fielding offers for outfielder Jacob Young, but it's unknown in Washington is looking to move him. One of the best defensive centerfielders in the game, Young is pre-arbitration eligible, under team control for four more seasons, and is lightning fast on the base paths. Sounds like the type of player the Reds would love to bring aboard, right?

Well, almost. Young checks a lot of boxes — especially for a Reds organization that has suddenly put an emphasis on the defense — but his lack of offense could be a problem for a team that's looking to add some thump in the middle of their lineup.

Reds could capitalize on Nats' teardown after MacKenzie Gore trade, but the options are scarce

Young doesn't chase and he doesn't strike out — both of which will receive an atta-boy from Reds fans — but his power is basically nonexistent. According to Baseball Savant, Young ranked in the 20th percentile or lower in hard hit rate, average exit velocity, and expected slugging percentage. While he fits the type of player the Reds typically like, he's not exactly who the Reds need.

Another Nats player to keep an eye on before the start of the season is CJ Abrams. Washington is reportedly shopping their young infielder, and while the position fit may not make sense with Elly De La Cruz at shortstop, the Reds love up-the-middle athletes, and Abrams certainly fits the bill in that regard.

Abrams defense at short is questionable at best; a sign that a position change may be in order. While most of his time as a pro has been spent at shortstop, he has some outfield experience under his belt as well. Abrams is under team control for three more seasons, and would provide some insurance behind Matt McLain with Gavin Lux now off the roster.

It's doubtful that Washington will look to move outfielder James Wood — who'd be the perfect addition to the Reds lineup. Wood crushed 31 home runs last season, but also led the strikeouts (221). On the pitching side, hybrid starter Brad Lord would be a low-cost replacement for the departed Nick Martinez, but it would likely take significant offer to pry the right-hander away from our nation's capital.

The Nats traded Gore for five young players — taking the quantity over quality approach. For a Reds teams will so many prospects who are blocked at various levels, perhaps there's a deal to be had, and a player in D.C. who'd fit Cincinnati's roster heading into the upcoming season.