Earlier this week the Washington Nationals made a big splash by signing Gio Gonzalez to a big deal. Come to find out, it's the third biggest contract the Nationals have ever handed out, ranking just behind the contracts of third baseman Ryan Zimmerman (five-years, $45 million) and outfielder Jayson Werth (seven-year, $126 million). Mark Zuckerman of CSN Washington has the details on Gonzalez's contract.

2012: $3.25 million
2013: $6.25 million
2014: $8.5 million
2015: $11 million
2016: $12 million

Gonzalez also receives a $500,000 signing bonus, and is guaranteed to make at least another $500,000 if the Nationals ultimately buy out his 2017 option. Add that all up and you get the $42 million total.

The Nationals also hold a club option for the 2017 season according to Zuckerman, but the 2018 option will automatically be enacted if Gonzalez piches 180 innings in the previous year.

For more on the Washington Nationals, please visit Federal Baseball, SB Nation's Washington Nationals blog and stay tuned to SB Nation DC.