Report: Nationals still working on trade for Robertson

Pitchers and catchers are just nine days away from reporting to Washington Nationals spring training in Florida, but the club remains without an established closer to finish games.

As general manager Mike Rizzo works on finding that ninth-inning option, he's continued discussing deals involving right-hander David Robertson of the Chicago White Sox, according to major-league sources of FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal.

The Nationals - who appear to be financially restricted by ownership for the time being - do not want to absorb the entire $25 million owed to Robertson over the next two seasons, nor do they want to move additional prospects after trading three young players to the White Sox in exchange for Adam Eaton, according to Rosenthal's sources.

Meanwhile, White Sox general manager Rick Hahn has made it clear to media that he won't lower his asking price for any of his available players, including Robertson, who Washington has targeted throughout the offseason. That appears to be an obstacle at the moment.

The Nationals ended last season with Mark Melancon as the team's closer, but failed to re-sign him after reportedly bidding more than $50 million. They were also in on Kenley Jansen, reportedly offering more than the $80 million he took to return to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

As it stands, Washington will enter spring training with Shawn Kelley as the team's projected closer, while Blake Treinen, Sammy Solis, and Joe Nathan could get looks.