MacKenzie Gore Bio
MacKenzie Evan Gore is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Washington Nationals of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the San Diego Padres, with whom he made his MLB debut in 2022. In 2025, Gore was named to his first All-Star game.
Early Life and Background
MacKenzie Gore was born on February 24, 1999. He attended Whiteville High School in Whiteville, North Carolina. As a junior, he achieved a remarkable record of 12–1 with a 0.08 earned run average (ERA) and 174 strikeouts in 88+1⁄3 innings pitched. During this season, he notably threw a no-hitter with 18 strikeouts. Gore led Whiteville to the North Carolina 1A state championship four years in a row, winning three championships, and was named MVP of all three victories. In the summer of 2016, he showcased his talent by playing in the Perfect Game Classic at Petco Park. Following high school, he committed to East Carolina University to play college baseball.
Path to Baseball
MacKenzie Gore was considered one of the top prospects for the 2017 Major League Baseball draft. He was drafted by the San Diego Padres with the third overall pick. On June 23, 2017, he signed a rookie contract with the Padres, which included a signing bonus of $6.7 million. In 2017, he began his professional career with the Arizona League Padres, where he pitched in seven games, posting a 0–1 record, a 1.27 ERA, and a 0.98 WHIP in seven starts. In 2018, he played for the Fort Wayne TinCaps, finishing with a 2–5 record and a 4.45 ERA over 16 starts. Gore began 2019 with the Lake Elsinore Storm, earning California League All-Star honors and was named to the 2019 All-Star Futures Game. He had an impressive 7–1 record and a 1.02 ERA over 15 starts, which led to his promotion to the Amarillo Sod Poodles in early July.
MacKenzie Gore Career
Early Career (2022)
MacKenzie Gore made his MLB debut on April 15, 2022, pitching against the Atlanta Braves. He threw 5+1⁄3 innings, allowing 3 hits and 2 runs, and recorded his first career strikeout against Braves second baseman Ozzie Albies. He earned his first win on April 20, 2022. Despite being placed on the 15-day injured list on July 26 due to left elbow inflammation, Gore remained a significant player for the Padres during his early career.
Breakthrough (2023-2025)
On August 2, 2022, MacKenzie Gore was traded to the Washington Nationals along with several other players in exchange for Juan Soto and Josh Bell. He made rehabilitation starts for the Triple–A Rochester Red Wings but did not pitch for the Nationals in 2022. In 2023, Gore had a solid season with 151 strikeouts and a 4.42 ERA in 1361⁄3 innings across 27 starts, finishing with a 7–10 record. In 2024, he improved his performance, achieving 181 strikeouts and a 3.90 ERA in 1661⁄3 innings over 32 starts, ending the season with a 10–12 record. On March 27, 2025, he set a record for the most opening-day strikeouts by a Nationals pitcher, striking out 13 Philadelphia Phillies. By May 29, 2025, he recorded his 100th strikeout of the season, becoming the first pitcher to reach this milestone in the season. On July 6, 2025, Gore was selected to the Major League Baseball All-Star Game, marking his first All-Star appearance.
Notable Works and Milestones
MacKenzie Gore’s signature work includes his impressive performances during the 2025 season, where he achieved significant milestones, including his All-Star selection. He has established himself as a key player for the Washington Nationals and continues to build on his early career successes.
MacKenzie Gore Award Nominations
Throughout his career, MacKenzie Gore has received recognition for his performances, including his selection to the 2025 Major League Baseball All-Star Game.
MacKenzie Gore Awards Won
MacKenzie Gore has won the All-Star title in 2025, marking a significant achievement in his professional baseball career.