What has been reported as two separate deals breaks down into one, five-player trade between the Mariners and Nationals. In it, Seattle sends two bullpen arms in Roenis Elías and Hunter Strickland to Washington for pitching prospects Aaron Fletcher, Taylor Guilbeau, and Elvis Alvarado.
After being reacquired from the Boston Red Sox for straight cash last year, Elías proved to be a strong addition to a Mariners bullpen that was on the brink of making some big changes. With all the turnover in that unit, Elías stepped into a bigger role and flourished.