MacKenzie Gore.
If you're looking for MacKenzie Gore strikeouts today, you might be a little confused why the box score is empty. It's January 18, 2026. The snow is probably hitting the ground in D.C., and Gore is likely nowhere near a mound in a competitive setting.
We are officially in the "Hot Stove" season. That means no live games, but a whole lot of talk about what Gore did last year and where he’s going next.
Honestly, the southpaw had a bizarre 2025. He finished with 185 strikeouts in just 159.2 innings. That’s elite. We’re talking a K/9 of 10.4, which puts him in the conversation with the nastiest lefties in the league. But then you look at the 5-15 record and the 4.17 ERA, and you start wondering if we’re looking at the same pitcher.
Why the Strikeout Numbers Matter Right Now
You can't teach a 95 mph heater with that kind of "rise" from the left side. Gore’s four-seamer is basically a cheat code when it’s located high in the zone.
In 2025, he wasn't just a one-trick pony. His curveball developed this sharp 1-to-7 snap that left hitters looking silly. When people search for his strikeout totals, they’re usually looking for proof that he’s actually the "ace" the Nationals traded Juan Soto for back in the day.
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The stuff is there.
The consistency? Sorta.
He actually made 30 starts last year, which is a huge win for a guy who has dealt with his fair share of "arm fatigue" and ankle issues. But the tale of two halves was brutal. Before the All-Star break, he was sitting on a 3.02 ERA. He looked like an All-Star. After the break? The wheels didn't fall off, but they definitely got wobbly.
The $5.6 Million Question
Just about ten days ago, on January 8, Gore and the Nationals avoided arbitration. They settled on a one-year, $5.6 million deal.
That is a lot of money for a guy with 15 losses, but it’s a bargain for a guy who can punch out nearly 200 batters a year. This contract is basically a "prove it" deal. Either he becomes the anchor of this young Washington rotation, or he becomes the most valuable trade chip the Nats have had in years.
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There were massive rumors that the Yankees were going to snag him. That's dead now. New York just traded for Ryan Weathers from the Marlins, which basically closes the door on them moving for Gore this winter.
Breaking Down the Pitch Mix
If you want to know why those strikeouts happen, you have to look at the movement.
- Four-Seam Fastball: Averages 95 mph. It has that late life that makes it feel like 98.
- The Curveball: His primary "get out of jail free" card. He throws it around 82 mph with a high spin rate.
- The Slider: Sits at 87 mph. It’s more of a "bridge" pitch to keep righties from leaning on the heater.
- The Changeup: This is the pitch that actually took the biggest leap last year. It had a whiff rate north of 30% at various points.
When Gore is "on," he’s tunnel-visioned. He uses the high fastball to set up the dirt-diving curve. It’s a classic north-south approach that works perfectly in the modern game.
What’s Next for Gore in 2026?
The Nationals are in a weird spot. They have James Wood and Dylan Crews coming up, looking like superstars. They need a veteran-ish leader on the mound.
Gore is only 26. He’s reaching that age where "potential" needs to turn into "production." The 1.35 WHIP from last year has to come down. You can't strike out the world if you're walking four guys every game and letting the pitch count spiral by the fifth inning.
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If he stays healthy, there’s no reason he shouldn't hit 200 strikeouts this coming season. He’s durable enough now. He knows the league.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Fantasy Owners
If you're looking at Gore for your 2026 fantasy draft or just following the Nats, keep these three things in mind:
- Watch the Walk Rate: If Gore's BB/9 stays near 3.6, his ERA will always be inflated regardless of the strikeouts. Look for reports in Spring Training about his "delivery maintenance."
- Home Run Suppression: He actually got better at this in 2025, but Nats Park can be small. If he keeps the ball in the yard, he's a top-20 pitcher.
- Trade Value: If the Nationals are out of it by July, Gore will be the biggest name on the market. A contender with a good pitching coach could turn those strikeouts into a Cy Young run.
The reality is that MacKenzie Gore strikeouts today are zero, but the value of those 185 K's from last season is what's keeping the stove hot in D.C. right now. He’s the ultimate high-risk, high-reward arm in the NL East.
To get ready for the 2026 season, you should track his first few starts in Spring Training specifically for first-pitch strike percentage. That's the best indicator of whether he'll finally reach that "ace" ceiling.