The Nationals are “hottest” on Padres closer Craig Kimbrel

As we know, the San Diego Padres are more than likely going to dump the closer this week, and according to a report from Jon Heyman of CBS, the Yankees are indeed interested in pursuing a potential deal.

The Yankees have a relatively strong bullpen already, as their bullpen is averaging a 2.45 ERA so far this season, but they are always looking for improvements, and the Padres’ relievers make sense for pursuit, as they have two guys in Craig Kimbrel and Joaquin Benoit who have been heavily rumored to be on the trade block.

The Padres, in fact, suggested a return of shortstop Trea Turner in a potential package back from the Nats, reported by sources, though word is the chances of that happening are somewhere between slim and none.

With the San Diego right-hander penciled in alongside Hammel in the middle of the rotation, the Cubs go from having a major weakness in their staff.

The trade market is flush with closers, with Francisco Rodriguez available in addition to Kimbrel, Chapman and Papelbon.

San Diego started the season with a $107 million payroll after acquiring Kimbrel and the Uptons from Atlanta and bringing in outfielder Matt Kemp from the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Blue Jays’ main priority has been starting pitching, but there’s a need for a closer, as well, as the team with a plus-95 run differential is still only. What will they get? As the team continues its nosedive, though, Kimbrel is now one of many Padres players on the trade block.

Kimbrel has $24 million of guaranteed money left on his contract spread over the 2016 and 2017 seasons. He also has 29 saves and has struck out 55 batters this season. The Chicago Cubs, New York Mets, Baltimore Orioles, Los Angeles Angels and the Houston Astros are in the picture of this deal.

Who will stud closer Craig Kimbrel be closing games out for beyond this week?