The Washington Nationals traded left-handed starter MacKenzie Gore to the Texas Rangers for five prospects, a league source confirmed to The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal on Thursday. The deal sends the 26-year-old pitcher to Texas in exchange for a package headlined by 2025 first-round selection Gavin Fien.

Gore made 89 starts for Washington from 2023-25 after arriving from the San Diego Padres in the August 2022 Juan Soto trade. He was set to earn $5.6 million in his second arbitration year with two seasons remaining before free agency.

The Nationals will receive infielder Gavin Fien, the 12th overall pick in 2025 from Great Oak High in California. Right-hander Alejandro Rosario, infielder Devin Fitz-Gerald, first baseman/outfielder Abimelec Ortiz and outfielder Yeremy Cabrera complete the prospect haul, sources told The Athletic's Jim Bowden.

Gore earned his first All-Star selection last season after posting a 3.02 ERA through 19 first-half starts with 138 strikeouts. Shoulder and ankle injuries derailed his second half and ultimately ended his season in September.

The left-hander demonstrated notable increases in velocity and pitch movement last year. Those improvements maintained his trade value despite the late-season injuries.

New president of baseball operations Paul Toboni explored Gore's market throughout the winter. Washington's front office and player development overhaul created flexibility to move controllable assets for long-term talent.

The Rangers addressed a critical rotation need with the acquisition. Jacob deGrom logged 30 starts with a 2.97 ERA when healthy, while Nathan Eovaldi posted a career-best 1.73 ERA over 22 starts before a rotator cuff strain ended his season.

Gore will likely pitch in the middle of Texas' rotation alongside Jack Leiter. The addition gives the Rangers one of the stronger starting staffs in the American League West.