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

by
Jerry Lai / USA TODAY Sports

Tap here to access our MLB Trade Tracker, which includes all trades and rumors leading up to the July 31 trade deadline.

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.

The Digest

Complete guide to the 2015 MLB trade deadline

by theScore Staff
Jake Roth / USA TODAY Sports

Here's everything you need to know about this year's non-waiver trade deadline, including complete coverage of the latest rumors and instant reaction leading up to the 4 p.m. ET deadline on July 31.

Trades

Mets land Cespedes from Tigers for pair of minor leaguers

Mariners deal Happ to Pirates for minor leaguer

Dodgers send Morse, cash to Pirates for Tabata

Phillies trade Revere to Blue Jays for 2 prospects

Marlins trade Sam Dyson to Rangers for 2 prospects

Athletics trade Ryan Cook to Red Sox

Indians trade Rzepczynski to Padres for Almonte

Rays trade reliever Kevin Jepsen to Twins for 2 prospects

Cubs acquire Haren from Marlins for 2 minor leaguers

Mariners trade Mark Lowe to Blue Jays for 3 prospects

Rangers officially acquire Hamels from Phillies in 8-player deal

Brewers trade Jonathan Broxton to Cardinals

Orioles acquire Parra from Brewers

Brewers trade Gomez, Fiers to Astros for package of prospects

Reds trade Leake to Giants for top pitching prospect Mella

Complete guide to the David Price trade

Complete guide to the Troy Tulowitzki trade

Dodgers acquire Latos in 13-player, 3-team swap

Tigers trade closer Joakim Soria to Pirates

Mets get Clippard in trade with Athletics

Mariners trade Dustin Ackley to Yankees

Indians trade veteran outfielder Moss to Cardinals

Angels strengthen outfield with trades for Murphy, DeJesus

Phillies trade All-Star closer Papelbon to Nationals

Hired Ace: Royals land Cueto in 4-player trade with Reds

3 things to know about the Johnny Cueto trade

A's send Zobrist to AL-leading Royals in 3-player trade

A's trade Kazmir to hometown Astros

Royals trade right-hander Joe Blanton to Pirates for cash

Mets acquire Uribe, Johnson in 4-player trade with Braves

Marlins trade former closer Steve Cishek to Cardinals

White Sox trade Gillaspie to Angels for cash

Brewers trade Aramis Ramirez to Pirates for pitching prospect Barrios

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