2011 MLB Trade Rumors: Teams Targeting A’s Gio Gonzalez

Earlier this week we learned that the Washington Nationals were making a strong push to acquire A’s left-hander Gio Gonzalez.  While Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com reports that this is still the case, he also notes that the market for Heyman is in no way limited to the Nationals.  According to Heyman, the Red Sox, Tigers, Blue Jays, Marlins and Yankees are also “in the mix” for Gonzalez.

In order to acquire Gonzalez, A’s general manager Billy Beane has made it clear that teams will have to send him significant return.  Beane has already asked for top young players such as Mike Stanton, Logan Morrison, Jesus Montero, Manny Banuelos and Dellin Betances in exchange for Gonzalez.  And these haven’t been one-for-one proposals either; Beane wants packages built around these players which include other top prospects.

Heyman reports that the Nationals are willing to surrender top talent in order to acquire Gonzalez, as the club would apparently be willing to discuss all youngsters not named Strasburg or Harper.

Washington has several young pitchers that could become trade chips as well as minor league catching depth.  This has led to speculation that the club could build a package for Gonzalez around right-hander Brad Peacock and backstop Derek Norris.  Heyman even speculates that the Nationals could throw young shortstop Ian Desmond into trade talks, though this remains uncertain at the moment.

Along with the Nationals, the Red Sox, Tigers, Blue Jays, Marlins and Yankees have all targeted Gonzalez this offseason.  The Marlins and Yankees have exchanged names with the A’s, while the Blue Jays were reportedly focused on acquiring Gonzalez two weeks ago.

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