There was thought the Mariners could trade Roenis Elias since he was the best pitcher in the bullpen other teams needing relief help could go after. The Washington Nationals decided to take him off the Mariner’s hands sending two minor relievers back in return.
In a surprising move, the Mariners sent closer Hunter Strickland to the Nationals as well, getting another reliever prospect in return. Strickland just came off the injured list last week. I guess it shows the Nationals needed help in their bullpen and the Mariners don’t need a closer at all.