Marlins Decline Nationals Offer For Gonzalez

The Miami Marlins are very much in need of starting pitching. They left empty handed in the winter meetings and are looking to add depth to the starting rotation.

According to a report from Jon Heyman over at CBS Sports, The Washington Nationals proposed a deal that would send Gio Gonzalez to Miami in exchange for outfielder Christian Yelich. The Nationals were in the running for free agent outfielder Jason Heyward, but they lost him as he ended up signing with the Cubs. Jon Heyman also tweeted that the Marlins quickly declined the Nationals thoughts of acquiring Yelich. This is not the first time Gonzalez has been mentioned in trade rumors, as the Nats have previously tried trading away their left handed pitcher.

Would Gio Make Sense for the Marlins?

Gonzalez started his career in Oakland in 2008, where he pitched for four seasons before being traded to the Nationals for Catcher Derek Norris, right handed pitchers A.J. Cole and Brad Peacock, and left-hander Tommy Milone. His first year with the Nationals in 2012, was and is the best season he has posted in his career. He went 21-8 with a 2.89 ERA.

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Last year, Gonzalez had a solid season for the surprising non-postseason Nationals. He went 11-8 with a 3.79 ERA. He struck out 165 batters in 175 2/3 innings, and achieved a 1.42 WHIP. Overall, a rather productive season for Gonzalez. Gonzalez definitely has some ties in the Miami area as he was born in Hialeah, Florida. He was also drafted out of high school from Monsignor Pace, in Miami Gardens, Florida.

The Marlins are looking for an innings eater yet healthy proven starter. Gonzalez fits that profile. Gio Gonzalez has started 30 or more games since 2010 except for 2014 where he started 27 games. Also in that span, Gonzalez has never had an ERA over 3.79, the highest coming last season. Gonzalez’s walk ratio also something he has improved over the years. His walk percentage has decreased since 2010, only walking 69 last season, posting a 3.54 BB/9.

Gonzalez would be a rather interesting fit in Miami, for the right price. With his ties in the city, playing for the Marlins could even give the 30-year-old a boost and some extra energy to produce well for the fish. Nevertheless, Christian Yelich is not worth Gio Gonzalez. Although Gonzalez would be a great fit, the Marlins did well in declining the Nationals request.