Mets, Yankees interested in A's Gonzalez
Oakland starting pitcher Gio Gonzalez throws against the Seattle Mariners at Safeco Field. (Apr. 14, 2010) Credit: Getty Images
The Mets have joined the Yankees as interested bidders for Athletics lefthander Gio Gonzalez, according to two people with knowledge of the situation. But because Gonzalez is coming off two strong seasons, has four more years to go before free agency and there's a general pitching shortage, the A's asking price remains high.
For the Mets, that likely means top-flight pitching prospects such as Matt Harvey and Zack Wheeler, or even rehabilitated first baseman Ike Davis. For the Yankees, it means at least one of their top prospects, a group featuring pitchers Manny Banuelos and Dellin Betances and catcher Jesus Montero.
Gonzalez, 26, will be eligible for arbitration for the first time this offseason, so he's due for a considerable raise from his 2011 salary of $420,000. Nevertheless, Oakland doesn't need to trade him. The A's can afford to pay Gonzalez to stick around, and he won't reach free agency until after the 2015 season.
Gonzalez made the American League All-Star team in 2011 and has compiled two straight seasons of 200-plus innings pitched.
That's why the A's can ask so much from the likes of the Yankees, Mets and, reportedly, Tigers, Rangers and Reds.
Because the Mets are trying to build toward 2013 and beyond, when they hope Harvey and Wheeler can be ready for the majors, Gonzalez would fit into their time frame and give the Mets a potential frontline starter. But because they're not ready to contend, the Mets wouldn't want to give up too early on any of their other young players.
At the winter meetings in Dallas earlier this month, the Mets listened to offers for young lefthander Jon Niese, in whom Boston and other clubs are interested. Mets general manager Sandy Alderson said earlier this week that he doesn't expect any major trade discussions to accelerate until after the New Year.
The Mets re-signed outfielder Mike Baxter, 27, the Queens product whom they non-tendered last week. He had an impressive .350 on-base percentage and .441 slugging percentage in 40 plate appearances in 2011.
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