Late Friday evening, mere hours before the midnight deadline and hours after trading Ryan Madson, Washington traded LHP Gio Gonzalez, plus international bonus money, to Milwaukee for prospects KJ Harrison and Gilbert Lara.  According to reports, Milwaukee will also take on the balance of Gonzalez’s $12 million 2018 salary before he reaches free agency this winter.

The 32-year-old Gonzalez has battled through a difficult 2018 season, posting a 7-11 record with a 4.57 ERA, allowing 153 hits and 70 walks against 126 strikeouts over 145.2 innings pitched. 2018 has been a tale of two halves for Gonzalez, as he posted a 3.74 ERA over 101.2 innings in the 1^st half, followed by a disastrous 6.55 ERA in 44 innings in the 2^nd half.  However, in his seven seasons in Washington, Gonzalez made 213 starts, throwing 1,253.1 innings with an 86-65 record and a 3.62 ERA.  He will now look to rebound with the Brewers, who desperately need another starting pitcher in their quest for the playoffs.

In return Washington receives KJ Harrison, Milwaukee’s 3^rd round pick in the 2017 MLB Draft after a strong career at Oregon State.  Defensively Harrison has split time this season at catcher, first base and designated hitter.  Behind the plate he shows excellent effort, but his fringe-average arm and poor receiving skills portend a future shift off the position.  He has good hands and footwork at first base, but will need to really slug if he permanently shifts to the cold corner.

At the plate the right-handed hitting Harrison shows feel for the barrel and above-average raw power.  The power plays closer to average in-game as a result of his contact issues.  He collects strikeouts like kids do germs, and he has a strong tendency to get pull conscious.  The 22-year-old has tools and a potentially intriguing ceiling if he remains a catcher and cuts down on his strikeouts; then again, this is unlikely to happen and make him project as a Triple-A player who might collect a cup of coffee in the big leagues.

Astute prospect nerds will quickly recognize Gilbert Lara’s name as a former July 2^nd bonus baby, signing with Milwaukee for $3.2 million in 2014.  Since then, the 20-year-old has flashed the tools that had him so hyped as an amateur, yet he has generally scuffled in game action.  This season Lara is repeating Low-A and hitting .249/.281/.353 with 5 home runs and 33 extra base hits in 115 games.  He has split time between shortstop and third base this season, holding his own at short but continues to outgrow the position.  He has the arm strength and quickness to project as a quality third baseman.
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Listed at 6’4” and 200lbs, Lara has a big, projectable frame and shows raw power in batting practice, yet this has not yet translated in games.  He has a long swing and poor balance at the plate, which hinders his ability to make contact.  Just 20-years-old, 21 in October, he still has major league potential due to his raw physical tools, but there is also a great risk he never graduates Double-A.  He is a massive boom-or-bust prospect at this point, but a nice gamble for Washington as a classic “change of scenery” player.

Gio & I

This deal is rather bittersweet, as trading away Gio feels like a gut punch in an overall difficult season for Nats’ fans.  He was inconsistent and maddening at times, but overall, Gonzalez provided Washington with seven excellent seasons.  Gio grew up in front of our eyes almost simultaneously as the Nationals matured into a winning organization.  He still has innings to throw, but I expect Washington to induct him into the team’s Ring of Honor soon after he retires.

From a baseball perspective, Washington did quite well to find a team willing to take on the remainder of Gonzalez’s salary and gather two intriguing prospects for five weeks of his services.  Milwaukee desperately needed another starter to help in their playoff chase, and Gio feels like he could be rejuvenated by a “change of scenery”.  While both Harrison and Lara have major league potential, neither departure is likely to hurt Milwaukee’s long-term future.  That said this feels like an overpay on Milwaukee’s part, as I am surprised Washington received more than salary relief in the deal.  Milwaukee fills a need, but Washington is the clear winner in this swap.

NatsGM Grade ->            B+