MLB Trade Rumors: Nationals Must Pull Trigger on Gio Gonzalez Trade

If the Washington Nationals want to make a strong push for the playoffs, they must acquire Oakland's left-handed Gio Gonzalez. 

This would give the Nationals a strong starting pitching staff and put them in a position to have a consistent and winning season.

He is the best available pitcher on the market, and the Nationals are reportedly making a strong push to acquire him.

The Rumors

Ken Rosentahl of Fox Sports reported the Nationals are making a strong push for Gonzalez, saying: 

"

The Nationals, continuing their quest to add a left-handed starting pitcher, are pushing hard to land the Athletics’ Gio Gonzalez, according to major-league sources.

"

Gio hasn't caught wind of the Nationals' desire, not that that means they aren't interested.

Rosenthal throws in his two cents of what it would cost the Nationals to acquire Gonzalez.

"

To acquire Gonzalez, who is under club control for four more years, the Nats likely would need to part with at least one of their young starting pitchers, perhaps right-hander Brad Peacock or lefty Ross Detwiler. The team also is deep at catcher.

"

Gonzales' Bio

Gonzalez is a 26-year-old left-hander. He features a low 90s fastball and excellent curveball. He will also mix in the occasional changeup.

His curveball is his out pitch, and it is death to left-handed hitters. He is coming off of two spectacular seasons where he pitched over 200 innings, had an ERA of 3.23 and 3.12 and a WHIP of 1.31 and 1.32.

Check out his stats.

Why the Nationals Need Gio

Washington needs to add a left handed pitcher to pair with promising young right-handers Stephen Strasburg and Jordan Zimmerman. This will give them an outstanding foundation for a strong pitching staff for years to come.  

The Nationals are desperate to turn themselves into contenders, and this is the way to go. Washington plays in a pitcher-friendly park, and that leads to them having to overpay for the top available hitters—as they did for Jayson Werth last year.

With the top of their rotation featuring Strasburg, Gonzalez and Zimmerman this would take a lot of the pressure off of Washington in having to acquire elite bats. This is a team that would be able to win with strong starting pitching and just an average offense.