Report: Nationals aggressively trying to trade Gonzalez

The Washington Nationals exercised Gio Gonzalez's option for the 2017 season, however that doesn't mean he'll be on the roster come opening day.

With aspirations of making a major splash this offseason, the Nationals are reportedly aggressively trying to trade Gonzalez, MLB executives told Joel Sherman of the New York Post.

Once considered one of MLB's top left-handers, Gonzalez is coming off a year in which he went 11-11 with a 4.57 ERA and 1.34 WHIP across 177 1/3 innings.

Aside from his struggles last season, Gonzalez could prove to be a valuable trade chip, especially given the lack of quality arms on the free-agent market. He's averaged 187 innings over the last seven seasons, posting 95 wins and a 3.48 ERA over that time. He's owed $12 million in 2017 and has a $12 million vesting option for 2018 should he throw 180 innings next season.

Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo stated earlier this month that he didn't plan to trade Gonzalez despite the club having a number of starting options, though one executive labelled Rizzo as "bold" to Sherman, and wants to capitalize on what could be a narrowing window.

The Nationals have been linked to having interest in Chicago White Sox ace Chris Sale, and acquiring the left-hander would certainly make Gonzalez expendable.