The Nationals are likely to pick up Gonzalez's $12 million option for the 2017 season, Chelsea Janes of the Washington Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

A $12 million vesting option in Gonzalez's contract would also kick in for 2018 if he throws 180 innings next season, which he hasn't done since the 2013 season. Gonzalez took a large step backward last season, with a 4.57 ERA representing his worst mark since 2009, but he remains a durable left-handed starter and that could easily be seen as a value worth $12 million. The Nationals already have Max Scherzer and Stephen Strasburg locked up until 2021 and a glut of young starters headlined by Lucas Giolito and Joe Ross, so Gonzalez's continued presence would mean one less spot for a pitcher like Reynaldo Lopez or A.J. Cole.