If Nationals are boxed out on Darren O'Day and Aroldis Chapman, what's Plan B?

NASHVILLE - A few days ago, the projected outlook for the reconstruction of the Nationals bullpen appeared optimistic. Many believed Washington was in the driver's seat to land right-hander Darren O'Day, considered the best free agent reliever on the market after his All-Star season with the Orioles. The next step was expected to be a blockbuster deal to acquire coveted Reds closer Aroldis Chapman, solving the Jonathan Papelbon debacle.

Now, barely a few hours into baseball's Winter Meetings, it looks like the Nats may swing and miss on both targets. O'Day reportedly reached a deal this morning to remain in Baltimore, though Orioles general manager Dan Duquette told reporters Sunday night that more work was left before an agreement was finalized. Washington seemed to be closing in on the sidearm setup man, but a reluctance to add a fourth year to his contract apparently swayed O'Day back up Interstate 95.

Meanwhile, the Dodgers are aggressively working on a trade for Chapman, according to a report from FOXSports.com. If completed, the move would give L.A. a devastating duo at the back end of their bullpen with Chapman and right-hander Kenley Jansen. The Astros and Diamondbacks are reportedly also chasing Chapman.

So where does that leave Washington? As the Dodgers are trying to stockpile closers, the Nationals are attempting to dump theirs. High on Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo's agenda this week is locating trading partners to unload right-hander Drew Storen and Papelbon. Yesterday, O'Day and Chapman seemed like attractive replacements. Who knows which way Rizzo will turn if the latest rumors pan out.

Some believe the Yankees may be shopping left-hander Andrew Miller. Early last month, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman told reporters he is "open to anything." Like Chapman, acquiring Miller will likely require parting with some top young pitching prospects. The 30-year-old Miller won the 2015 Mariano Rivera Award as the American League's best reliever after going 36-for-38 in save chances with a 1.90 ERA. He has three years and $27 million left on a contract he signed with New York last winter.

Phillies closer Ken Giles may be available, but would Washington and Philadelphia swing another trade for a reliever after the Papelbon experiment exploded? The 25-year-old Giles saved 15 games for the last season after the Phillies traded Papelbon. He owns a combined 1.56 ERA with 151 strikeouts in 115 2/3 innings over the past two seasons.

Could the Nationals be interested in some of the other relief options on the market like free agent Joakim Soria, or talk trade with the Rays, who may make Brad Boxberger or Jake McGee available?

Stay tuned for the wheeling and dealing from Nashville. The Nats just hope they're not left standing when the music stops.