Astros Fans Watch as Mets’ Pursuit of MacKenzie Gore Hits a Wall
Date Published
The Houston Astros are keeping an eye on the offseason pitching market, and a recent report may influence how things shake out across Major League Baseball. According to new reporting, the New York Mets have run into trouble in their push to acquire Washington Nationals left-hander MacKenzie Gore. For a team like the Astros—who are still weighing options to strengthen their rotation—any movement involving starting pitching across the league could have ripple effects.
The Mets, who have been aggressive in exploring starting pitching upgrades, reportedly faced pushback from Washington when discussing Gore, whose age, upside, and years of team control make him one of the more intriguing arms on the market. With New York struggling to find traction, it raises questions about which teams could next engage the Nationals—and how it may affect the cost of other pitchers available this winter.
Why It Matters for Houston
The Astros are no strangers to the chess game of pitching acquisition. Even without direct involvement, Houston can be impacted by how the market shifts when teams like the Mets miss—or potentially hit—on big targets. If Gore stays put, demand for other starters may climb. That could either complicate or motivate Houston’s own approach as spring training inches closer.
Fans in Houston know the Astros still seek another reliable arm to reinforce the rotation behind Framber Valdez, Justin Verlander, and Hunter Brown. With the Mets’ pursuit slowing, teams across the league may begin turning to alternative options, including several names Houston has been linked to over the past month.
What’s Next
If Washington continues to resist offers for Gore, a new wave of trade conversations could emerge—one that might introduce fresh possibilities or obstacles for the Astros. Houston’s front office has a history of moving quickly once market pressures shift, so this development is worth tracking as February approaches.
This article is a summary of reporting by Sports Illustrated. Read the full story here.