Entering the 2013 season, the Washington Nationals couldn’t have been more excited for what the future held for left-hander Gio Gonzalez. Fresh off leading the NL in wins, FIP, HR/9 and K/9, Gonzalez appeared poised for a great career. He was heading into his age-27 season, sported a fastball that averaged 94 and had a contract that extended over at least the next five years.
Unfortunately for both Gonzalez and the Nats, things haven’t gone according to plan. The now-31-year-old has seen his ERA increase every season since that 2012 campaign.