A Seattle Mariners trade with the Boston Red Sox has taken place early Monday morning (April 23). Looking to possibly increase the depth of the starting rotation, the Mariners have traded for starting pitcher Roenis Elias. If the name sounds familiar, it is because Elias used to pitch for the Mariners.

Right after the 2014 MLB season came to a close, the Mariners traded Elias and Carson Smith to the Red Sox in exchange for Jonathan Aro and Wade Miley. The front office had been hoping that Miley could become an important part of the starting rotation, but he didn’t last very long.

The trade turned out to be a dud, with some Mariners fans frustrated the team had given up on Elias so quickly.

MLB trade details

A report from Major League Baseball states that the Seattle Mariners will acquire Roenis Elias in exchange for cash considerations or a player to be named later. This means it didn’t cost the Mariners much to re-acquire Elias, placing very little risk on this trade. If he can find his control with the Tacoma Rainiers, maybe he could be pitching in Safeco Field again very soon.

During his two seasons with the Mariners, Elias started 49 games for the team, posting a 3.97 ERA and 1.308 WHIP. Elias struggled during his brief stint with the Red Sox, appearing in just four games for the team and posting a 12.38 ERA and 2.625 WHIP.

Though he did look pretty good during the 2016 minor league season, the Red Sox ended up going with other options for the starting rotation.

What is the role of Elias with the Mariners?

This Seattle Mariners trade won’t have an immediate impact, but it is clear that the starting rotation might need a boost. Erasmo Ramirez made his debut on Sunday (April 22), but failed to impress against the Texas Rangers.

Ramirez is considered the fifth starter in the rotation now, but Ariel Miranda could replace him if he continues to struggle. Now, Elias might also be another option. First, he has to prove what he can do at Triple-A.

This Mariners-Red Sox trade might be considered a minor move, but if Roenis Elias can find consistency on the mound again, it’s certainly possible that this could become a steal for Jerry Dipoto.

While the signing of Ichiro Suzuki was controversial among fans and the trade rumors about James Paxton are frustrating to hear, this is a nice piece of good news, showing the front office is still trying to add pieces to the team. It might just make Elias an interesting candidate to join the 25-man roster very soon.
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