Washington Nationals reportedly a leading suitor for Darren O’Day

The Washington Nationals entered this offseason on the hunt for bullpen upgrades, and it appears that they’ve stepped of their efforts in pursuit of reliever Darren O’Day.

Jerry Crasnick of ESPN.com reports that the Nationals are a leading suitor for the sidewinder, who is reportedly seeking a four-year deal in the $28-36 million range. Jon Heyman of CBS Sports reported this weekend that O’Day’s wife is a reporter based in the nation’s capital, so that could potentially work in the Nationals’ favor.

The news holds some merit on other fronts as well, because it sounded as though Mike Rizzo was hesitant to go after back-end reliever types until one or both of Drew Storen and Jonathan Papelbon were out of the picture. Both, as of Sunday, are still Nationals property. So one would think that either signifies a move involving one/both of the two is close, or Rizzo has shifted his mindset and is going after talent while it’s available.

The Craig Kimbrel trade earlier this month may have added a sense of urgency for the Nats in their pursuit of O’Day. Kimbrel and Aroldis Chapman were considered the top two bullpen targets for the Nationals entering the offseason, and Chapman will reportedly cost a king’s ransom with Kimbrel off the board. Joaquin Benoit is also off the board on the trade market, so top-level relievers are slowly coming off the board, perhaps forcing Washington’s hand.

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The division-rival Braves are also reportedly interested, and the Dodgers have been linked to O’Day from the start of the offseason. The Royals also reportedly showed interest, as have the Mets, Tigers and others, though the Tigers seem to have found their man in Francisco Rodriguez and one has to wonder if the Royals could meet O’Day’s price tag.