Jeff Passan Predicts Cubs to Go All-In, Linked to Nationals MacKenzie Gore

Jeff Passan Predicts Cubs to Go All-In, Linked to Nationals MacKenzie Gore originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

The Chicago Cubs are in the market for starting pitcher and third base help. But, to what extent will the Cubs try to land improvements at either position?

ESPN MLB insider Jeff Passan predicts the Cubs will go all-in at the trade deadline. But for whom? Passan linked the Cubs to Washington Nationals All-Star starter MacKenzie Gore as a potential deadline splash.

"The prospect of the Cubs getting a starter such as Gore from Washington or Joe Ryan from the Minnesota Twins is unlikely," Passan wrote. "Because of the exorbitant cost landing those players would demand and Chicago's propensity to play things safe amid budgetary constraints."

This picture that Passan is painting doesn't bode well for the Cubs to land such a star pitcher for their rotation. But, despite the pessimism, Passan also has a strong belief in where the Cubs stand as the deadline approaches.

"Now is not the time to let what a model says about lost surplus value in a deal get in the way of that," Passan added. "The Cubs want to be all-in. We'll see if they are when it matters."

If the Cubs are willing to go all-in, a player like Gore could make a ton of sense. While he'd cost a lot to acquire, he'd help the team for the next few seasons, while also rounding out a big-three atop the Cubs rotation.

Gore, Shota Imanaga, and Matthew Boyd would be a great top of the rotation, and could be capable of leading the Cubs on a deep postseason run.

While the prospects they'd have to give up to land Gore would hurt the farm system, his impact on the rotation could be too enticing to pass on.

Passan believes the Cubs are willing to go all-in at the trade deadline, and that their best fit is Gore.

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 23, 2025, where it first appeared.