Report: Nationals ‘Pushing Hard’ for Oakland Left-Hander Gio Gonzalez

Oakland starter Gio Gonzalez‘s name has come up a lot this offseason, especially for someone who’s not available via free agency.

The latest team linked to the 26-year-old left-hander are the Washington Nationals, who are said to be “pushing hard” for the 2011 All-Star, according to FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal.

Washington would reportedly likely have to part ways with at least one of its young starting pitchers — perhaps right-hander Brad Peacock or lefty Ross Detwiler — as part of the deal. Rosenthal notes that the Nats are also deep at catcher.

The Red Sox, Marlins and Rangers are reportedly among the other teams showing strong interest in Gonzalez, although Oakland’s asking price remains high. The Nationals would really like to add Gonzalez to a rotation that already contains some good, young arms in Stephen Strasburg and Jordan Zimmerman.

Gonzalez is under club control for four more years. He went 16-12 with a 3.12 ERA in 32 starts in 2011, and went 15-9 with a 3.23 ERA in 33 starts in 2010.