The biggest move the Nationals made at this Trade Deadline was actually their decision to hold on to MacKenzie Gore. He was the biggest trade chip the Nationals could have reasonably moved. Gore is a very talented pitcher, but he is not without his flaws and only has two years of control after this year.
While Gore’s summer troubles did not come until July this year, they did end up rearing their ugly head. After putting up an All-Star level 3.02 ERA in the first half, Gore has had three ugly starts since. He has allowed 15 runs in 12.