Washington Nationals: Gio Gonzalez drawing some trade interest
By Blake Finney
With the deadline for post-season eligibility approaching, the Washington Nationals are still looking to trade off pieces. Next up could be Gio Gonzalez.
The Washington Nationals are looking to offload some of their players before August closes out. One of the prime candidates to be dealt is Gio Gonzalez, who is reportedly drawing trade interest.
Jon Morosi of MLB Network reported that Gonzalez has “drawn interest from multiple teams in recent days”, according to his sources. It’s unlikely that the Nats would be asking for too much, so a trade seems likely to happen in the coming days.
The lefty cleared revocable trade waivers recently according to Jorge Castillo of the Washington Post. That means the Nationals are now free to trade him to anyone for the rest of this season.
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If a deal is going to get done, it’ll be before September, as that’s when you have to be on a team’s roster to be postseason eligible. Also, the Nationals will probably have to eat some of his remaining 2018 salary in order to get a trade done, else a team would’ve claimed him when he was placed on waivers.
Trading him would allow the front office to get a longer look at young arms like Erick Fedde, Jefry Rodriguez and Joe Ross down the stretch without Gonzalez taking up a roster spot.
So which teams could be checking in on Gio Gonzalez?
Milwaukee Brewers
The Milwaukee Brewers were reported to have checked in on Gio Gonzalez at the non-waiver trade deadline in July. So naturally, they may well reignite their interest in the left-hander if the price is right.
The Brewers rotation has been a lot of trying several options and hoping enough stick to back up their torrid offense. It’s possible they could make a low-cost move, especially given their only lefty starter is Wade Miley.
In terms of a possible prospect to come back the other way, the Nats have added several flame-throwing relievers who are far down in the minors. Rodrigo Benoit fits the bill perfectly as he’s finally starting to unlock his potential at High-A in 2019 with a 3.44 ERA and 71 Ks in 52.1 innings.
Oakland Athletics
Well, this would this be a dramatic reunion. Almost seven years since the Oakland Athletics traded him away, they may well consider going after Gio Gonzalez this month.
The A’s rotation has been bitten with injuries lately, as Sean Manaea and Brett Anderson have both been placed on the DL. While they have some good young options, perhaps playing in the cavernous Coliseum is exactly what Gonzalez needs.
To get Gonzalez and some cash to cover part of his salary, it’s only going to cost a very low-level prospect like Payton Squier. Squier is a 16th round pick from last season who struggled last year but has taken off with a .315 average, .807 OPS and more walks than strikeouts.
Seattle Mariners
Finally, another team that’s been decimated by injuries in the rotation is the Seattle Mariners. James Paxton has spent a lot of time on the DL but is on his way back, but Marco Gonzalez has just been put on himself.
Wade LeBlanc was a fantastic story early on in the year, but now the magic seems to be fading. Similarly to going to Oakland, Gonzalez may benefit from the pitcher-friendly Safeco Field and reignite his season.
When looking for a prospect, once again, we go to the lower levels. In just his second season in the Seattle system, Dayeison Arias is tearing up short-season with a 1.80 ERA and a 41 Ks in 30 innings.
Ten possible 2B candidates next season. dark. Next
The Washington Nationals should be exploring all options when trying to trade Gio Gonzalez. We’ll have to wait and see, but it’s expected to happen given the Nats current plight, and long-term benefits.