Washington Nationals: Gio Gonzalez solidifies case as a trade candidate

Washington Nationals starter Gio Gonzalez turned in a gem on Friday night, solidifying his case as a potential trade candidate.

With the Washington Nationals sitting 8.5 games back in the division standings, they have begun to turn their focus to 2019. Daniel Murphy and Matt Adams were recently shipped out of DC, but there could be more moves to come.

If the Nats decide that they are not done dealing, Gio Gonzalez could be the next to go. The 32-year-old left-hander is arguably the best starting pitcher available and is set to hit the free agent market at season’s end. Add in the fact that he has reportedly cleared waivers, and a trade is a definite possibility.

Like most of Gonzalez’s seven-year Nats tenure, 2018 has been an up-and-down season. He ended May with a 2.10 ERA, making an early case to pitch in the All-Star Game in his home ballpark, but he has been trending the wrong way since. He has shown flashes of brilliance, but his ERA has climbed to 4.35 over the last few months.

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Despite his recent struggles, Gonzalez turned in a gem on Friday night in New York. He was handed a tough-luck loss, but pitched seven innings and allowed just one run. To make his outing even more impressive, he continued to dominate even after taking a comebacker off of his leg. The line drive forced a limp for the rest of the night, but Gonzalez battled it out.

Now, it is fair to wonder if that was Gonzalez’s final start donning the Curly W.

Several contenders, including the Brewers, Mariners, and A’s, could use a starting pitcher. Considering there are not many quality starters available, Gonzalez should be in high demand.

The Brewers, in particular, make a lot of sense. They were reportedly interested in Gonzalez at the non-waiver trade deadline, but failed to work out a deal.

Since failing to acquire a starting pitcher at the non-waiver trade deadline, the Brew Crew have continued to pursue a starting pitcher. After failing to work out a deal for Matt Harvey, they could turn back to Gonzalez. None of the Brewers’ five starting pitchers have pitched in the postseason, so Gonzalez’s 26.1 postseason innings would be a welcome addition.

Make no mistake, Gio Gonzalez is not an ace. However, when he is right, he is a solid middle-of-the-rotation arm. He may not be a Justin Verlander-type acquisition, but he could certainly help a contender if the Washington Nationals choose to trade him.