MLB trade rumors: Nationals, Twins discussing Brandon Kintzler

UPDATE (1:10 PM): Washington and Minnesota are in ongoing discussions about Kintzler, per MLB.com’s Jon Morosi. It’s unclear if anything is close.
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ORIGINAL: The market for Twins closer Brandon Kintzler is heating up, reports ESPN's Jerry Crasnick and SBNation's own Chris Cotillo. Among the clubs with rumored interest are the Nationals, Rockies, and Rays, per Mike Berardino of Pioneer Press.

Kintzler, 32, joins the Orioles' Zach Britton and Padres' Brad Hand as the top relievers on the market ahead of today's 4pm ET deadline. Kintzler has an impressive 2.78 ERA as the Twins' closer this season, though his 5.4 K/9 is unusually low for a back-end reliever. A free agent after the season, Kintzler is a prime candidate to be dealt as a rental for clubs looking to add bullpen depth for the postseason.

The Twins, who were buyers just a week ago, have spiraled out of the playoff race in the AL Central and have begun exploring deals for their assets. They dealt starter Jaime Garcia to the Yankees Sunday, a mere six days after they acquired him from the Braves.

With Addison Reed dealt to the Red Sox earlier this morning, Kintzler is one of the top rental arms left on the market. All three of the clubs with public interest in the right-hander have already added relief help this month.