Texas Rangers interested in Jordan Zimmermann, Doug Fister

Texas is looking to add a starting pitcher, and reportedly has a significant amount of interest in several members of the Washington Nationals' staff. According to TR Sullivan of MLB.com, the Rangers have engaged in several conversations with the Nationals with regard to the possibility of adding a starter, although nothing appears to be imminent.

Both sides reportedly have interest in making a deal, however do not necessarily agree on the pieces they want to move.

The Rangers first reached out to the Nationals to determine if Jordan Zimmermann is available, although the club doesn't appear to want to move him. Zimmermann posted a 2.66 ERA and 2.68 FIP in 199.2 innings pitched last season, and is a season away from free agency. Washington has expressed interest in trying to sign Zimmermann long term, though if the club is unsuccessful, a trade, whether it be this offseason or in July, could become likely.

In addition to Zimmermann, the Rangers are also interested in Doug Fister, who like Zimmermann will be a free agent after 2015. He posted a 2.41 ERA and 3.93 FIP in 164.0 innings a season ago.

The two squads could work out a deal because of Washington's interest in Rougned Odor. The Nationals are looking for middle infield help this offseason, and Odor is one of baseball's top prospects who batted .259 in 144 games, many of which he started at second base, for Texas last season. Odor is a versatile option, having started numerous minor league games at shortstop.

Anthony Rendon could shift to second base, in which case the Nationals would seek a new third baseman, but regardless the club might benefit from another left-handed hitter in its lineup after losing Adam LaRoche to free agency.

Washington is determined to extend Zimmermann, meaning Fister may be only starter the team considers moving. Texas, as of now, does not have interest in dealing Odor, regardless of the talent it would receive. While Zimmermann and Fister remain appealing, the Rangers have also been linked to Trevor Cahill and Wade Miley.