The Texas Rangers may have completed the most significant move of this year’s Hot Stove League, acquiring highly coveted left-hander MacKenzie Gore from the Washington Nationals in exchange for a package of five prospects. The deal has generated plenty of buzz, so let’s break down what each side received.
Rangers Receive
MacKenzie Gore, LHP
DOB: February 24, 1999 | 6’2”, 193 lbs
Arbitration eligible | Free agent after 2027 season
2025 (Nationals):
5–15, 4.17 ERA, 159.2 IP
10.43 K/9, 3.61 BB/9, 0.91 GB/FB
Gore has long carried the label of a future frontline starter, thanks largely to his electric raw stuff and eye-catching peripherals. However, four seasons into his major league career, his results have yet to fully match the hype, as evidenced by a career ERA north of 4.00. He profiles as a fly-ball pitcher with inconsistent command, making him vulnerable to home runs. The Rangers now have a two-year window to see whether Gore can finally develop into the ace many once projected—but they paid a steep price for the opportunity.
Nationals Receive
Gavin Fien, SS
DOB: March 8, 2007 | 6’3”, 200 lbs
Bats/Throws: Right/Right | Rule 5 eligible December 2029
2025 (Low-A):
.220/.267/.341, 1 SB
6.7% BB rate, 24.4% K rate, 45 PA
The Rangers’ 2025 first-round pick out of high school (12th overall), Fien is unusually large for a shortstop and may eventually slide over to third base. Scouts see more power than hit in his profile. Assigning him to Low-A so quickly was aggressive, and he remains several years away from being MLB-ready.
Alejandro Rosario, RHP
DOB: January 6, 2000 | 6’1”, 182 lbs
Rule 5 eligible December 2026
2024 (Low-A): 2–3, 2.11 ERA, 47 IP
2024 (High-A): 2–2, 2.24 ERA, 41.1 IP
A fifth-round pick in 2023 out of Miami, Rosario broke out in 2024 with elite strikeout numbers and excellent control. However, he missed all of 2025 due to an elbow injury, widely assumed to be related to Tommy John surgery, which adds significant risk to his profile.
Abimelec Ortiz, 1B/OF
DOB: February 22, 2002 | 5’10”, 230 lbs
Left/Left | On MLB roster with three options remaining
2025 (AA): .247/.343/.444, 16 HR
2025 (AAA): .283/.388/.565, 9 HR
Ortiz’s calling card is his power, which grades as a clear plus tool. Defensive limitations likely confine him to first base or designated hitter, but his bat could play if the power continues to translate.
Devin Fitz-Gerald, IF
DOB: August 17, 2005 | 5’10”, 185 lbs
Switch hitter | Rule 5 eligible December 2028
2025 (ACL): .318/.423/.542
2025 (Low-A): .250/.442/.281
A fifth-round high school pick in 2024, Fitz-Gerald has shown a well-rounded skill set and strong plate discipline early in his professional career, making him an intriguing developmental piece.
Yeremy Cabrera, OF
DOB: July 2, 2005 | 5’11”, 155 lbs
Left/Left | Rule 5 eligible December 2026
2025 (Low-A):
.256/.364/.366, 8 HR, 43 SB
Cabrera’s standout tool is his speed, which plays both on the bases and defensively in the outfield. While not a pure slap hitter, he shows enough pop to keep pitchers honest.
Leave a Reply