Gio Gonzalez Trade Rumors: Report Says Oakland Wants Jesus Montero, Manny Banuelos and Dellin Betances

Dec 17 4:26p by Ed Valentine

The New York Yankees have been connected to just about every available starting pitcher this offseason. One name you rarely hear connected to the Yankees, though, is talented young Oakland left-hander Gio Gonzalez.

Here is a pretty good idea why. According to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports Oakland wants a package of Jesus Montero, Manny Banuelos AND Dellin Betances in exchange for Gonzalez. That’s right. Not Montero — the Yankees top hitting prospect — and either Banuelos or Betances — but Montero and both of the Yankees top pitching prospects.

Gonzalez, 26, is good, having worked 200 innings each of the past two seasons while compiling a 31-21 overall record. His ERA each season was just a shade above 3.00.

He isn’t that good, however. There are apparently several teams interested in Gonzalez. At that price, though, the Yankees won’t be fitting Gonzalez for pinstripes.

If the price tag doesn’t come down perhaps the Yankees will turn back to free-agent right-hander Hiroki Kuroda or a potential deal with the Chicago White Sox for John Danks.