Nationals Make Run at Cespedes, MLB News

The Washington Nationals are making a run at free-agent outfielder Yoenis Cespedes, according to a report by Fox Sports.

The Nationals reportedly had made runs at two other free-agent outfielders who signed elsewhere: Jason Heyward, who went to the Cubs for eight years and $184 million, and Justin Upton, who just joined the Tigers for six years and $132.75 million.

Fox Sports reports that the Nationals have offered Cespedes less than what Upton got in Detroit.

Cespedes, who batted a combined .291 with 35 home runs and 105 RBIs last season with the Detroit Tigers and New York Mets, is the last big bat on the free-agent market after Chris Davis returned to the Orioles last week and Upton signed this week in Detroit.

Barring a return to New York, when Cespedes does sign, he will be joining his fifth team in the last 18 months. Oakland sent him to Boston at the 2014 trade deadline. The Red Sox traded him to Detroit last offseason, and the Tigers moved him to the Mets at the 2015 trade deadline.

Padres, Rodney Have One-Year Contract

The San Diego Padres and Fernando Rodney have agreed to a one-year contract, pending a physical exam.

Rodney is expected to take over the closer's role vacated when Craig Kimbrel was traded to Boston.

Rodney, who turns 39 on March 18, split the 2015 season between Seattle and the Chicago Cubs. He has also pitched for Detroit, the Los Angeles Angels and Tampa Bay.

He was an All-Star for Tampa Bay in 2012, when he had 48 saves. He also had 48 saves for Seattle in 2014.

Mets Agree To Deal With Bastardo

The Mets have agreed with left-handed reliever Antonio Bastardo on a two-year, $12 million deal to serve as a setup man, a source told ESPN.com. The deal is pending a physical.

Bastardo, 30, will join Addison Reed as the primary relievers setting up closer Jeurys Familia.

Bastardo went 4-1 with a 2.98 ERA and one save in 66 relief appearances with the Pittsburgh Pirates last season.

He was suspended 50 games by Major League Baseball in 2013 as part of the Biogenesis case.

The Mets also fortified their bullpen this offseason by re-signing Jerry Blevins, and fellow left-handed reliever Josh Edgin, who missed last season after having Tommy John surgery, is expected back by May.