MLB Trade Rumors: Gio Gonzalez, Mat Latos and Jair Jurrjens on Reds' List

The Cincinnati Reds and general manager Walt Jocketty are in hot pursuit of starting pitching this holiday season. Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports has confirmed that the Reds are making a wish list of pitchers that includes Oakland’s Gio Gonzalez, San Diego’s Mat Latos and Atlanta’s Jair Jurrjens.

Danny Knobler of CBSSports.com has confirmed that the Reds and A’s are in talks for Gonzalez. Knobler reports that the A’s are asking for Yonder Alonso, a catching prospect and more in exchange for Gonzalez.

Rosenthal also notes that the Padres might be willing to move Mat Latos in an effort to rebuild. Latos had a down year in 2011 with a 3.47 ERA.

On the Jurrjens front, Rosenthal says the right-hander is available, as proven by the trade talks between the Baltimore Orioles and Braves. Jurrjens is a risky move for the Reds, having only hit 190 innings once.

In the midst of all this starting pitcher talk, the Reds are still without a closer. According to Rosenthal, the Reds are likely to land Francisco Codero, Ryan Madson or Brad Lidge through free agency. The A’s are also interested in trading Andrew Bailey.

So, what does this all mean for the Reds? Jocketty still believes the club has to address starting pitching despite the acquisition of other free agents such as Andrew Brackman.

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We have to keep being aggressive and trying to improve. What we thought we had to do for 2012 was really address our pitching. That’s what we’ve been busy trying to do, but without success so far.

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The thought of losing Yonder Alonso and either Devin Mesoraco or Yasmani Grandal in exchange for others is causing Jocketty to hesitate in making a deal, and rightfully so. Alonso is a huge asset to the team, and it seems the Reds want to try him in left in spring training because Alonso has lost so much weight this offseason.

The Reds also believe they can compete if they don't make any moves. The division has been weakened by the loss of Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols, and there is the potential of losing Brewers' first baseman Prince Fielder.

Regardless of what moves the Reds end up making, one thing is certain: the organization has a lot of options.