Nationals Attempting to Trade for Athletics' Ryan Madson, Sean Doolittle

The Washington Nationals, in an attempt to bolster their bullpen, are reportedly eyeing Oakland A's relievers Ryan Madson and Sean Doolittle in deadline deals, according to Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal. 

Rosenthal added it's "unclear" if the Nationals "will require cash in deadline deals and give up better prospects in exchange, as they have done in past."

Madson, 36, is under contract through 2018 at $7.6 million annually, while Doolittle is owed $4.3 million next season with club options for $6 million and $6.5 million, respectively, in 2019 and 2020. 

In 38.1 innings this season, Madson has posted a career-best 2.11 ERA and 0.809 WHIP to go with a 6.33 strikeout-to-walk ratio. 

Doolittle, meanwhile, has recorded a 3.38 ERA, 0.656 WHIP, 31 strikeouts and two walks in 21.1 innings. 

Needless to say, both Madson and Doolittle would help the Nationals—who have blown 14 saves so far this season. Furthermore, Washington's bullpen ranks dead last among National League clubs with an opponents' batting average of .278. 

FanRag Sports' Jon Heyman reported in June the Nationals could also be interested in the San Francisco Giants' Mark Melancon, Pittsburgh Pirates reliever Tony Watson, Kansas City Royals closer Kelvin Herrera or Chicago White Sox closer David Robertson.