Gio Gonzalez Rumors

With C.J. Wilson and Mark Buehrle signed and the Yu Darvish sweepstakes coming to a close, teams figure to turn their attention to the trade market in order to find starting pitching.  One of the most coveted starting pitchers available is Oakland A’s left-hander Gio Gonzalez.  Oakland has been shopping Gonzalez this offseason, and many expect the 26-year-old to be dealt by winter’s end.  Here are the latest Gio Gonzalez rumors.

While he has made it clear that Gonzalez is available this offseason, A’s general manager Billy Beane has indicated that he is looking for substantial return for his top-of-the-rotation talent.  We’ve already learned that Beane requested Yonder Alonso, Yasmani Grandal and more from the Reds in exchange for Gonzalez.

Ken Rosenthol of Fox Sports hears that the Mets, Mariners, Marlins, Reds, Nationals, Red Sox and Rangers all “remain in” on Gonzalez.  The Blue Jays are another team that has been focused on Gonzalez this offseason.

With the weak free agent market for starting pitchers and Gonzalez’s upside, it’s no wonder why the left-hander is so highly coveted this winter.

Las season for the A’s, Gonzalez turned in his second straight 200-plus innings campaign.  Over his 32 starts, Gonzalez maintained an ERA and WHIP of 3.12 and 1.317 while maintaining a SO/9 of 8.8 and BB/9 of 4.1.

Over his career, Gonzalez has an ERA of 3.93 to go with his 1.410 WHIP, but his numbers have been considerably better over the past two seasons.  Gonzalez did reach Super 2 status and is set to enter his first year of arbitration eligibility, but he also won’t hit free agency until 2016.

While many teams expect Beane to trade Gonzalez and closer Andrew Bailey, the GM only figures to gain leverage once Darvish comes off the market.  It will be interesting to see what a team is willing to surrender in order to bring in Gonzalez this winter.

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