Terrance Gore, a three-time World Series winner who logged fewer than 100 plate appearances over eight major league seasons, has passed away at the age of 34.
The Kansas City Royals announced that he died on Friday, Feb. 6, 2026. His wife, Britney Gore, said he died from complications following routine surgery. He is survived by Britney and their three children.
Gore’s MLB career challenged typical expectations. Between 2014 and 2022, he played in 112 regular-season games but accumulated only 74 at-bats and 85 plate appearances. He finished with a .216 batting average, no home runs, and one RBI. His 16 career hits included a 2018 single off Max Scherzer—the first hit of his career—while with the Cubs.
Despite his sparse offensive stats, Gore was renowned for one exceptional skill: speed. He opened his career stealing 17 bases in 17 attempts and ultimately tallied 43 steals in 52 regular-season tries. In the postseason, he added five steals in six attempts across 11 games, helping championship teams with the 2015 Royals, the 2020 Dodgers, and the 2021 Braves.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, himself once known for elite base stealing, described Gore as a confident and savvy runner.
Within baseball circles, Gore’s speed became the stuff of legend. Standing 5-foot-7 and weighing 160 pounds, he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.29 seconds. Buck Showalter, who managed him with the Mets in 2022, often emphasized how impactful Gore could be as a pinch runner in tight situations.
The Royals discovered Gore after selecting him in the 20th round of the 2011 draft, making him the 606th overall pick. Born in Macon, Georgia, he had played at Gulf Coast State College in Panama City, Florida, where scouts took note of his elite speed despite his smaller stature.
Kansas City’s front office—led at the time by former general manager Dayton Moore—intentionally targeted speed while constructing its championship core. Moore emphasized players who could influence games with their baserunning, a strategy well-suited to the club’s more limited payroll compared with big-market rivals.
Gore personified that approach. Primarily used as a pinch runner, he played pivotal roles during the Royals’ 2014 and 2015 postseason runs, which resulted in back-to-back American League pennants and the franchise’s first World Series title in three decades. Eric Hosmer recalled Gore’s fearless demeanor, even though he had minimal big league experience entering those high-pressure games.
The tactical use of Gore and fellow speedster Jarrod Dyson routinely put opposing defenses on edge. When either entered as a pinch runner, the entire atmosphere changed—everyone knew a steal attempt was coming, yet stopping Gore was often futile. His burst of speed and expert slides made him effective even when his intentions were obvious.
Gore’s career extended well beyond Kansas City. He spent 2018 with the Cubs, recording his first MLB hit against Scherzer, then returned to the Royals in 2019. He later joined the Dodgers in 2020 and the Braves in 2021, winning additional championship rings with both teams.
His stint with Atlanta further showcased his character. After the Braves won the 2021 World Series, Gore made a point to FaceTime injured teammate Charlie Morton so he could share in the celebration.
Gore wrapped up his MLB playing days with the Mets in 2022.
Following retirement, Gore settled in Panama City, Florida, working as a speed and baseball instructor. He also coached his son’s baseball team, sharing the insights and techniques that shaped his distinctive eight-year MLB career.
Gore’s rise from a 20th-round pick to a three-time World Series champion highlighted determination and mastery of a specialized skill set. Although he continually worked to improve as a hitter and outfielder, his acceptance and refinement of a unique role allowed him to make meaningful contributions to championship teams across multiple organizations.