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Washington Nationals Rumors: Nats "front-runners" for reliever Darren O'Day?

The Washington Nationals reportedly signed left-handed reliever Oliver Perez this afternoon and according to one report tonight they have emerged as the "front-runner" for free agent right-hander Darren O'Day. Project Bullpen continues...

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According to multiple reports, the Washington Nationals remain in the mix for free agent right-hander Darren O'Day, with at least one report, from Baltimore Sun writer Dan Connolly on Twitter, labeling the Nationals as a "clear front-runner" for his services.

Earlier this afternoon, the Nationals reportedly signed veteran left-hander Oliver Perez to what is said to be a 2-year/$7M contract.

Can they land the top free agent reliever on the market as well as GM Mike Rizzo and Co. work to rebuild the bullpen that was an issue for the Nationals in 2015?

Connolly wrote earlier this afternoon that the "O'Day sweepstakes" were nearing a conclusion with a decision expected to potentially come before the start of the Winter Meetings and definitely before the end.

An hour later, Connolly tweeted the following:

FOXSports.com's Ken Rosenthal reported this afternoon on Twitter that the signing of Perez to a two-year deal would not affect their pursuit of O'Day:

ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick wrote tonight that the Nationals, Baltimore Orioles, for whom O'Day pitched for the last four seasons and the Atlanta Braves are still in the mix:

Recent reports say the 34-year-old submariner, who was (6-2) with six saves, a 1.52 ERA, 2.49 FIP, 14 walks (1.93 BB/9) and 82 Ks (11.30 K/9) in 65 ⅓ innings last season, holding opposing hitters to a combined .198/.257/.283 line, was expected to get a four-year deal:

UPDATE - 8:02 PM - In an article by MLB.com's Cash Kruth tonight, he writes that, "... "... a source told MLB.com that O'Day might sign with the Nationals as soon as Friday night."