2011 MLB Trade Rumors: Blue Jays, Red Sox, Tigers and Rangers in on Gio Gonzalez

Yesterday we found out that the Toronto Blue Jays are targeting Oakland A’s starting pitcher Gio Gonzalez.  Beyond the Blue Jays, Danny Knobler of CBSSports.com reports that the Tigers, Red Sox, Rangers and Phillies are also interested in Gonzalez.  Knobler expects the pursuit of Gonzalez to heat up once the bidding window for Yu Darvish closes today.

The A’s have been listening on Gonzalez and closer Andrew Bailey for weeks now.  Though they are willing to deal the pair, Oakland has made it clear that they are looking for big-time packages in return, especially for Gonzalez.

This became evident early when the A’s reportedly asked the Marlins for slugger Mike Stanton in exchange for Gonzalez.  Knobler confirms these reports, noting that talks ended quickly after the proposal.

Yesterday Susan Slusser reported that the Blue Jays were focused on Gonzalez, and that they might be a match with their bevy of young outfielders.  No names have been shared, but A’s general manager Billy Beane has been seeking athletic outfielders this offseason in return for his players.  The Blue Jays also sport one of the league’s best farm systems so they certainly seem to have what it takes to make a Gonzalez trade happen.

Another team that seems to have what it takes is the Tigers.  Beane is reportedly enamored with Tigers starting pitching prospect Jacob Turner.  Knobler says Detroit would be willing to give up Turner for Gonzalez, but discussions stopped when Beane also wanted prospects Nick Castellanos and Drew Smyly.

While the Red Sox have been more closely tied with Bailey this offseason, Knobler said Boston has shown just as much interest in Gonzalez.

As reported earlier, the Phillies have also checked in on Gonzalez, but Knobler says the A’s don’t like what they have to offer in way of packages.  The Phillies offer would likely be created around young outfielder Domonic Brown.

Knobler sees the Gonzalez sweepstakes heating up exponentially once the Darvish bidding ends tonight.

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