Gio Gonzalez's contract includes a team option at $12 million for the 2017 season and a vesting option for 2018 at the same price contingent on the Washington Nationals picking up his first option and him throwing 180 innings next season.

The Nationals have a significant decision to make because picking up next year's option could mean having him for two years, while declining it would make him a free agent.

Washington is likely to pick up the option and one person in Gonzalez's camp said he considers it "a matter of course."