MLB Trade Rumors: Nationals considering Gio Gonzalez trade

Could the Washington Nationals be looking to move their top left-handed starting pitcher Gio Gonzalez? 

The Washington Nationals have had an offseason of change. They fired incumbent manager Matt Williams and hired Dusty Baker. They’ve signed several relief pitchers and traded for another in hopes of rebuilding their bullpen that cost them games down the stretch last season. According to Ken Rosenthal, they might not be done making moves as they are considering trading Gio Gonzalez.

From Fox Sports:

"Could the Nationals trade Gonzalez for another center-field type, then sign free-agent left-hander Wei-Yin Chen? At the right acquisition cost, he would be more attractive to teams than free-agent right-handers Ian Kennedy and Yovani Gallardo, both of whom are attached to draft picks."

Gio Gonzalez’s numbers are noticeably better than Ian Kennedy’s and Yovani Gallardo’s. The Nationals will most likely seek outfield help in return for Gonzalez. They will likely look to add a center fielder so that Michael Taylor is not entrusted with such a big role in just his second season.

Wei-Yin Chen would be a solid replacement for Gonzalez and it’s worth noting that both Gonzalez and Chen are represented by Scott Boras. The Nationals are not afraid to negotiate with his clients.

That all said, it should also be noted that Chen will cost the Washington Nationals a draft choice should they sign him. Chen turned down a qualifying offer fro m the Baltimore Orioles earlier this winter. Washington has already forfeited their first round pick in 2016 after signing Daniel Murphy from the New York Mets on Wednesday.