The Washington Nationals shook up the offseason by trading MacKenzie Gore to the Texas Rangers in a blockbuster five-for-one deal on Thursday, acquiring five promising prospects in return. This bold move highlights the Nationals’ commitment to rebuilding their farm system with high-upside talent.
The five players Washington received are Gavin Fien, Alejandro Rosario, Abimelec Ortiz, Devin Fitz-Gerald, and Yeremy Cabrera. Each prospect instantly ranked among the Nationals’ top 25 on MLB Pipeline, reflecting the impact of the trade under the direction of Paul Toboni, who has aggressively restructured the organization’s player development since taking over as president of baseball operations.
Gavin Fien: A Young, Powerful Infielder from California
Eighteen-year-old Gavin Fien, the Nationals’ No. 5 prospect, was the 12th overall pick in the 2025 MLB Draft. Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 200 pounds, Fien is recognized for his strength and striking plate discipline. While his .220 average over 41 at-bats in Single-A Hickory in 2026 was modest, his potential remains highly regarded.
Fien earned MVP honors at the 2024 MLB High School All-American Game and batted .400 for Team USA during an international qualifier. Known as one of the premier hitters in his draft class, he signed with the Rangers for a $4.8 million bonus. His brother Dylan is also a catching prospect in the Oakland Athletics system. Initially a shortstop, Fien is expected to shift to third base to best utilize his arm and power, joining the Nationals alongside fellow 2025 top high school hitter Eli Willits.
Alejandro Rosario: High-Potential Pitcher Recovering from Surgery
Twenty-four-year-old Alejandro Rosario, a fifth-round pick from 2023, quickly emerged as a Rangers pitching prospect to watch. Throughout 2024, he posted an impressive 2.24 ERA with 129 strikeouts and a 0.93 WHIP over 88.1 innings across Low-A and High-A levels. Rosario pairs a fastball that can reach 100 mph with a sharp splitter and slider, making him an intriguing arm.
After elbow troubles sidelined him, Rosario underwent Tommy John surgery, which will keep him out for all of the 2026 season as well as part of 2025. Despite this, the Nationals are optimistic about his long-term upside, ranking him as their No. 11 prospect. His ability to start games and improved control since turning professional could yield a high-strikeout pitcher in the rotation by 2027 if he recovers fully.
Devin Fitz-Gerald: Versatile Switch-Hitting Middle Infielder
Devin Fitz-Gerald, 20, ranks 12th among Nationals prospects and profiles as a potential second baseman. Drafted in the fifth round of 2024, Fitz-Gerald hit .302 with a .910 OPS in his first pro season spanning Rookie ball and Single-A, adding six home runs and eight stolen bases in 30 contests.
He committed to NC State before signing with the Rangers for $900,000. Fitz-Gerald’s baseball roots run deep, having won four consecutive state championships at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida under his father, Todd, a renowned prep coach. Known for his consistent bat-to-ball skills and advanced plate discipline, Fitz-Gerald’s more developed left-handed swing complements flashes of power from the right side, alongside notable baseball intelligence.
Abimelec Ortiz: Most Major-League Ready Prospect Acquired
At 23, Abimelec Ortiz is the most MLB-ready player obtained in the trade, ranked 24th in the Nationals’ system. In 2025, he slashed .283 with a .953 OPS, hitting nine home runs and driving in 33 RBIs over 41 Triple-A games. Following the trade, Ortiz was added to Washington’s 40-man roster and could debut in the majors later this year.
A native of Puerto Rico, Ortiz signed as an undrafted free agent from Florida SouthWestern State Junior College in 2021. After a challenging start, he revamped his approach by training with Carlos Delgado and incorporating contact lenses, leading to a breakout 2023 season. That year he led the minors in slugging percentage, hit 33 home runs, earned the South Atlantic League MVP award, and was named Rangers Minor League Player of the Year.
Ortiz plays first base left-handed and showcases exceptional raw power with a sturdy 5-foot-10, 230-pound build, along with improving plate discipline. His Prospect Savant score of 99 underlines elite metrics in power-contact, including hard-hit rate and exit velocity. Although his defense remains limited, his bat is expected to carry him, making him a strong candidate for a first base or designated hitter role with Washington soon.
Yeremy Cabrera: Speedy Outfielder with High Ceiling
Twenty-year-old Yeremy Cabrera, ranked 17th in the Nationals system, is a speedy outfielder from the Dominican Republic who signed for only $10,000 in 2022. He broke out in 2024 with a 1.009 OPS and nine home runs in the Arizona Complex League, finishing second in the league for both stats.
In 2025, Cabrera completed a full season at Single-A, batting .256 with eight homers, 52 RBIs, and an impressive 43 stolen bases across 102 games. Capable of playing all three outfield positions, he combines above-average speed and power, though his swing and approach are still developing. His estimated MLB arrival is projected for 2027, with the potential to emerge as a top-of-the-order hitter if his tools mature as hoped.
The Nationals’ acquisition of these five players through the MacKenzie Gore trade marks a transformative step in reshaping their future core. Each prospect offers a blend of skill, upside, and positional depth that aligns with the organization’s goal of building a competitive team through developing young talent. With Paul Toboni at the helm, Washington has positioned itself to nurture these assets, potentially accelerating their return to contention in the coming years.
