Gio Gonzalez
The Washington Nationals traded their longtime starting pitcher Gio Gonzalez to the Milwaukee Brewers on Friday night. Gonzalez was one of only four players remaining from the 2012 Nationals team which earned the franchise’s first playoff berth (the others: Ryan Zimmerman, Bryce Harper, and Stephen Strasburg).
Although the news of the possible trade broke hours before Washington faced Milwaukee at Nationals Park, the deal was not made official until after the game. Gonzalez, therefore, remained in the Nationals’ dugout throughout the 4-1 Nats loss to the Brewers Friday night. It was a bittersweet scene for all.
“I grew up here,” Gonzalez said of Washington and the Nationals organization at a news conference shortly after the game. “I had my family here, my wife, my kids. Just sad to see it end.”
Wearing a Brewers sweatshirt and cap, Gonzalez, however, also embraced the future, “But I’m happy. I’m happy, I’m really happy. I’m getting a second chance to redeem myself, and I think this is a perfect opportunity with a team like the Brewers.”
In exchange for Gonzalez and international slot bonus money, the Nationals received first baseman/catcher KJ Harrison and infielder Gilbert Lara.
