Report: Nationals pursuing Padres' Kimbrel, other 'big' moves

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Washington Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo is preparing to do something big this week, a person close to the executive tells Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports.

The Nationals are reportedly targeting San Diego Padres closer Craig Kimbrel, among other players, ahead of Friday's non-waiver trade deadline.

"I will almost bet my house that (Rizzo) will do something big," Rizzo's friend told Rosenthal.

The first-place Nationals hold a slim two-game lead over the New York Mets, who bolstered their bullpen Monday by acquiring former Washington reliever Tyler Clippard.

Washington, believed to be serious about improving its bullpen, has been linked to closers Jonathan Papelbon and Aroldis Chapman, according to recent reports. Rosenthal says the Nationals, however, balked at the Padres' reported asking price of prospect Trea Turner.

Kimbrel is in the midst of another impressive campaign, despite a career-worst 2.75 ERA and 12.6 strikeout-per-nine rate across 41 appearances. He's under contract through the end of the 2017 season at a guaranteed salary of $25 million.