2011 MLB Trade Rumors: Nationals Pushing for A’s Gio Gonzalez

Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports is reporting that the Washington Nationals are “pushing hard” to acquire Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Gio Gonzalez.  The Nationals have been pursuing a left-handed starter all offseason, and according to major league sources they have their sights set on Gonzalez.  Along with the Nationals, Rosenthal says the Marlins, Red Sox and Rangers are also “showing strong interest” in Gonzalez.  The Blue Jays and Tigers are other clubs that have been tied to Gio this offseason.

Entering the offseason, Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo made it known that he was looking to bring in a left-handed top-of-the-rotation starting pitcher via trade or free agency.

Originally the Nationals targeted free agent southpaw Mark Buehrle.  Washington, who eventually came in second to the Marlins in the Buehrle sweepstakes, is now looking to the trade market to acquire a pitcher.

The A’s have been shopping Gonzalez and closer Andrew Bailey all offseason.  Recently, the club sent Trevor Cahill, another young starting pitcher, to the Arizona Diamondbacks for a collection of prospects.

Rosenthal notes that, if the Nationals want to bring in a player such as Gonzalez, they’d have to part with one of their top young pitching prospects.  Rosenthal also notes that the Nationals have catching depth in the minors, and that Washington could send a backstop to the A’s in a package for Gonzalez.

For more on the Nationals and Athletics, be sure to check out District on Deck and Swingin’ A’s.