A's agree to trade LHP Gonzalez to Nationals

OAKLAND, Calif. — Left-hander Gio Gonzalez on Thursday said the Washington Nationals have agreed to acquire him in a trade with the Oakland Athletics, pending a physical and the deal being finalized.

"It's 99 percent done," Gonzalez said in a phone interview. "It's pending a physical and I'm just waiting to hear from my agent."

ESPN.com first reported the swap Thursday.

Gonzalez has been the subject of trade talk all offseason by the A's, who on Dec. 9 traded fellow top-tier starter Trevor Cahill to the Arizona Diamondbacks.

The 26-year-old Gonzalez, a first-round draft pick taken 38th overall by the Chicago White Sox in 2004, confirmed the trade to The Associated Press on Thursday. He went 16-12 last season — a career high for wins after getting 15 victories in 2010 — with a 3.12 ERA in 32 starts and was selected to his first All-Star game. He reached 200 innings the past two seasons.

"I love Oakland and appreciate them because they gave me a chance," Gonzalez said.

The A's reportedly will receive four players in the swap, including three top prospects: right-handers A.J. Cole and Brad Peacock, lefty Tom Milone and catcher Derek Norris.