As expected, Mackenzie Gore will take the ball on opening day against the Phillies
Ask and you shall receive. Just a few days after I asked for the Nats to name Mackenzie Gore the Opening Day starter, Davey Martinez did just that. Davey believes now is the time for Gore to lead the rotation.
Despite an inconsistent season, Gore was the Nats best starter in 2024. He posted a sub 4 ERA and struck out 181 batters in 166.1 innings. While he struggled in the middle of the season, the southpaw finished strong, something Gore needed badly. In the past he had a habit of starting seasons strong before fading down the stretch. It looked like 2024 was going to be more of the same, but he managed to pull it together.
Mackenzie Gore has top of the rotation stuff, but he needs to be more consistent to be a true top of the rotation pitcher. At just 26 years old, he still has plenty of time to put it all together. He also did not have much luck on his side in 2024, with a .341 BABIP. If that levels out, Gore could be in for a big year.
He will likely be facing Zack Wheeler on Opening Day, a tall task for the youngster. Gore has the raw ability to become a Wheeler caliber pitcher one day, but he is not there yet. Wheeler is a good example of how pitchers can peak later in their careers. While Wheeler was good with the Mets, he reached a new level with the Phillies as he entered his 30’s.
Hopefully it doesn’t take Gore that long, but it shows that you shouldn’t give up on raw talent. This will be Gore’s first opening day start, and I have a feeling it won’t be his last. Mackenzie Gore is just scratching surface of his abilities.