Nats lose out on Ben Zobrist, still working on reliever Shawn Kelley

NASHVILLE - Day 2 of the Winter Meetings is winding down and the Nationals have yet to make any noise in Music City. Early morning reports that the Nats had landed free agent right-hander Shawn Kelley were apparently premature.

In his daily media session, Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo confirmed the team has not completed a deal with Kelley, but said the team remains interested in the reliever.

"I would call it that we're in communication with him," Rizzo said.

Kelley, who will turn 32 on April 26, posted a 2.45 ERA with 63 strikeouts against 15 walks in 51 1/3 innings for the Padres last season. In his seven-year career in the majors as a reliever with the Mariners, Yankees and Padres, Kelley owns a 3.67 ERA.

Meanwhile, FOXSports.com's Ken Rosenthal reported the Cubs swooped in and signed the super-versatile Ben Zobrist, beating out the Mets. At the start of the day, the Nats were reportedly battling the Mets and Giants for Zobrist's services

Rizzo said he had talked to Zobrist's representatives several times this week but had not spoken to Zobrist directly. The Nationals seemed to have an inside track on Zobrist because of his desire to play primarily at second base, where there is an opening with Anthony Rendon moving to third next season. Zobrist was also attractive because of his his ability to play outfield and for his ability to switch-hit.

"We put a nice, hard push to acquire a really good player," Rizzo said earlier today during his daily media briefing.

Zobrist helped the Royals to a World Series championship after coming to Kansas City in a trade from Oakland just before July's deadline. He slashed .276/.359/.450 with 13 homers, three triples, 36 doubles and 56 RBIs in 126 games for the Athletics and Royals in 2015.

The Cubs reportedly inked the 34-year-old Zobrist to a four-year, $56 million deal.