This article was originally published on www.si.com/mlb/cubs as What Would Cubs Blockbuster Trade For Ace MacKenzie Gore Actually Cost?. The Chicago Cubs have long been expected to be one of the most aggressive teams at the trade deadline, which is now less than a week away.

With the Nationals heading nowhere once again, though, it seems as though the franchise may capitalize on the 26-year-old's career-best trade value.

At 41-61, the Washington Nationals are barreling toward their worst record since 2022, which is not where you want to be three years after trading a generational talent like Juan Soto. The slow-moving rebuild cost longtime GM Mike Rizzo (and manager Dave Martinez) his job earlier this month.