Ah, Opening Day!!

The Washington Nationals announced some exciting news today: left-hander MacKenzie Gore will be their Opening Day starter. The 26-year-old pitcher is set to take the mound against the Philadelphia Phillies on March 27 at Nationals Park. Manager Dave Martinez made the call, and it’s a decision that’s got fans eager to see what’s next for both Gore and the team.

MacKenzie Gore has been on the radar for years. Selected third overall by the San Diego Padres in the 2017 MLB Draft, he joined the Nationals in the 2022 trade that sent Juan Soto west. Since then, he’s shown glimpses of the talent that made him a top prospect. Now, with his first Opening Day start, Gore has a chance to establish himself as the leader of Washington’s pitching staff.

In 2024, he turned heads with a 10-12 record, a 3.90 ERA, and 181 strikeouts over 32 starts. His strikeout rate—10.8 per nine innings—was impressive, and he cut his home run rate down to 0.8 per nine from 1.8 the year prior. With a fastball that sits in the mid-to-high 90s, a biting curveball, and a changeup that’s steadily improving, Gore’s arsenal is legit. Martinez summed it up well: “He’s starting to figure out who he is as a pitcher. His stuff is outstanding, and he’s learning how to command it.”

The choice came down to Gore and Jake Irvin, who had a strong 2024 himself. But Gore’s overall performance and potential tipped the scales. His left-handed delivery could also give the Nats an advantage against a Phillies lineup loaded with lefty sluggers like Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber, and Brandon Marsh. He’ll face off against Zack Wheeler, setting up a compelling Opening Day battle.

This pick shows the Nationals’ trust in Gore as a key piece of their future. With veterans like Max Scherzer, Stephen Strasburg, and Patrick Corbin no longer in the mix, the team is leaning on its young talent. Gore, alongside CJ Abrams and James Wood from the Soto trade, represents the next wave. Handing him the Opening Day ball is a clear sign that Washington sees him as a cornerstone.

For Gore, this start is a milestone. Martinez called it “a growth moment,” adding, “Being the guy to represent us on Opening Day is a big deal for any pitcher.” Gore’s had his share of challenges—early struggles with control and some inconsistent stretches—but he’s shown resilience. After hitting a rough patch in mid-2024, he finished the year strong, proving he can adapt and push forward.

The question now is whether he can take it to the next level in 2025. Can he pitch deeper into games and handle a tough Phillies lineup under the Opening Day spotlight? His progress last season suggests he’s ready for the challenge.

It could speed up their rebuild if Gore locks in as a reliable ace. Add in other young pitchers like Irvin, Mitchell Parker, and a recovering Josiah Gray, and the rotation looks promising.

As Opening Day nears, the focus is on MacKenzie Gore. His first pitch of 2025 won’t just launch the Nationals’ season—it’ll mark a defining moment for a pitcher with sky-high potential. Whether he’s striking out Harper or dueling Wheeler, Gore can show he’s the real deal.