The free-agent starting pitching market this season is fairly weak, fronted by C.J. Wilson and Roy Oswalt but with little else in the way of impact arms beyond that.
However, the trade market is flush with talented young pitchers who could be had if the price is right, and one of the most likely pitchers to be dealt is Oakland Athletics left-hander Gio Gonzalez, as the A's have indicated that they are willing to listen to trade offers on anyone other than Jemile Weeks and Gonzalez would represent the most attractive trade chip they have.
Gonzalez has a history of jumping teams, as he has already been traded three times in his short pro career.
Drafted in the first round of the 2004 MLB draft by the Chicago White Sox, Gonzalez was packaged with Aaron Rowand in the offseason prior to the 2006 season and sent to the Philadelphia Phillies for slugger Jim Thome.
Less than a year later, the following offseason, he was packaged with Gavin Floyd and sent from Philadelphia back to the White Sox for Freddy Garcia.
After two more years in the White Sox minor league system, he was traded for a third time along with two other prospects to the Athletics for outfielder Nick Swisher.
So while he has only pitched for the Athletics in the big leagues, he has a history of changing teams and still remaining productive so he should have no problem moving again, but that will only happen if someone can meet Oakland's lofty demands.
Reports have indicated that the A's are looking for a package similar to the one they landed from the Arizona Diamondbacks when they acquired SP Brett Anderson, CF Carlos Gonzalez and LF Chris Carter along with three other lesser prospects.
So who is capable of meeting Oakland's demands and would be willing to give up some of their big-time prospects to land the 26-year-old Gonzalez?
The Royals have been a popular name on the starting pitching trade market this offseason, and they have already pulled the trigger on trading Melky Cabrera to the San Francisco Giants for Jonathan Sanchez.
There is a surplus of young talent in Kansas City, and outfielder Wil Myers would likely be where any prospect package would begin.
Add in another top talent such as starting pitcher Mike Montgomery and someone who could contribute immediately like first baseman Clint Robinson (.326 BA, 23 HR, 100 RBI at Triple-A last season) and that may be enough for Gonzalez to be suiting up in Kansas City.
The Reds are a team that have not been mentioned in the Gonzalez sweepstakes, but could certainly stand to upgrade their starting rotation.
First base prospect Yonder Alonso has been preparing for a move to left field so the Reds can get his bat in the lineup, but the team could trade him instead and sign someone like Josh Willingham to play left field.
From there, the team could add catching prospect Yasmani Grandal, who is behind Devin Mesoraco on the depth chart, and some lower level talent from there.
The Marlins seem ready to make offers to any and all top-tier players willing to come to Miami, and adding Gonzalez to what is already an impressive young rotation would make their staff a formidable one for years.
Outfielder Logan Morrison has been on the trade block ever since his demotion last season, and he could be moved to his natural position of first base in Oakland.
Beyond him, the Marlins would have to decide if they are willing to give up third base prospect Matt Dominguez or they would rather part with some of their low-level pitching talent.
The Red Sox have a hole in their rotation with John Lackey headed for Tommy John surgery, and frankly had a hole in their rotation even when he was there.
With the team expected to pursue outfielder Carlos Beltran to take over in right field, Josh Reddick could be the start of a package to get Gonzalez.
Beyond him, Boston could add third base prospect Will Middlebrooks and/or starting pitcher Anthony Ranaudo to sweeten the deal but that may be more than Boston is willing to give up.
It is no secret that the Yankees need starting pitching, and while they will likely go hard after C.J. Wilson, landing someone like Gonzalez who is under team control for the next four years could help shore up the staff long-term.
The offense-starved A's would no doubt require Jesus Montero in any package they get from the Yankees, but because he is such a top-tier talent the Yankees won't want to give up much more to get Gonzalez.
The Yankees could offer starting pitcher Hector Noesi as the second key piece, but the Athletics would likely ask for Dellin Betances over him. Eduardo Nunez would also interest the A's as they have a hole at shortstop and he could step in immediately.
Prediction
These are just the five teams in the best position prospect-wise to make a play for Gonzalez, but when a 26-year-old All-Star pitcher with four more years of team control hits the market there is no shortage of teams who are at least interested in acquiring him.
As of now, if the Yankees are willing to include Montero I think they have the best chance to pull of the trade. That said, I don't think they will and I like the Royals as the front-runners to acquire the left-hander's services. Tell us what you think in the included poll.
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