Padres tried to land All-Star Nationals starting pitcher dealt for Juan Soto

The San Diego Padres, led by A.J. Preller, had an incredibly eventful MLB trade deadline day. From starting with a blockbuster for Mason Miller and J.P. Sears, to landing both the Baltimore Orioles' best bats, the Padres made a lot of moves.

But, a report from Jon Heyman of The New York Post revealed that Preller was big-game hunting, even after landing Miller. Heyman reports that the Padres were trying to land MacKenzie Gore from the Washington Nationals, the pitcher Preller dealt for Juan Soto.

"Interestingly," Heyman reports, "the Padres also made a real run at former Padres MacKenzie Gore, part of the Nats' all-time package for Juan Soto. Not sure anyone came close on the All-Star lefty, but the Pads were maybe the most aggressive pursuer."

Interestingly, the Padres also made a real run at former Padre Mackenzie Gore, part of the Nats’ alltime package for Juan Soto. Not sure anyone came close on the All-Star lefty but the Pads were the maybe the most aggressive pursuer.

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) August 1, 2025

Gore was one of the main pieces in the Soto trade that Preller pulled off. CJ Abrams and James Wood were two of the other big trade chips, and all three have been impressive in the Majors this season. 

A few years after trading Gore away, Preller, according to Heyman, was looking to reacquire the former top prospect from the Nationals. Washington was receiving interest in Gore at the deadline, especially from the Chicago Cubs, but this report suggests the Padres were among the strongest suitors for Gore.

The 26-year-old left-handed starter has been solid this season. He has a 3.80 ERA in 22 starts with a 4-11 record, which doesn't tell the whole story. His FIP is 3.47, and his ERA+ of 105 is the best of his career so far.

MORE: Padres pull off blockbuster trade for Athletics' Mason Miller

Through 123 innings, he's struck out 148 batters, which ranks 7th best in baseball this season among all pitchers. Gore was named to his first All-Star game, and with team control through 2027, he'd cost a fortune in a trade.

But the Padres under Preller are no strangers to blockbusters, and Gore certainly would've been another one. With San Diego keeping Dylan Cease, the Padres' rotation with Gore would've been incredible.

A deal wasn't agreed to, and while there's no telling what was asked in the trade talks between the two teams, the remaining top Padres prospects likely would've been in those negotiations.

In what was one of the wildest trade deadlines in recent MLB history, Preller dominated the headlines. And if he swung this deal, which Heyman reports the Padres were making a serious run for, they would've landed two of the best players at the deadline.

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