NATIONAL HARBOR, MD – A reliable National League source early this morning at the 2016 Baseball Winter Meetings confirmed that the Washington Nationals are close to a deal with the New York Yankees that would send lefthander Gio Gonzalez to the Bronx. In return the Yankees would send the Nationals two minor league prospects and maybe another player.

The National are also close to finalizing a deal that would bring lefthander Chris Sale to their rotation which allows the flexibility to deal Gonzalez. The Yankees, stocked with minor league prospects, and considered the top system in baseball, have not commented.

Gonzalez to the Bronx does makes sense. The Yankees are in need of a top line starter and Gonzalez has been the subject of Yankees talks since September. Gonzalez, 31 years old, was 11-11 with a 4.57 ERA last season.

The deal is not official and contingent also on the Nationals acquiring Sale, though it makes sense with Gonzalez in the final year of his contract with the Nationals.

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