STRICKLAND AND ELIAS SENT TO THE NATIONALS
The Washington Nationals acquired pitchers Hunter Strickland from the Seattle Mariners for pitchers Aaron Fletcher, Taylor Guilbeau and Elvis Alvarado.
What does it give the Washington Nationals
By adding Strickland and Elias here, plus Daniel Hudson from Toronto in a separate move, the Nationals are determined to improve their shaky bullpen in 2019. Look for the 30-year-old Strickland, who is coming off a long stint on the IL due to a strained lat, to be used as a middle reliever at first. However, he might become a primary setup man for closer Sean Doolittle before the end of the season. Elias, who has 14 saves so far this season, is likely to pitch in a setup role ahead of Doolittle. The Nationals have been busy replenishing their beleaguered bullpen before the trade deadline.
What does it give the Seattle Mariners
The Mariners have sent both Strickland and Elias to the Nationals in exchange for three average (at best) pitching prospects. In Fletcher, the Mariners get a left-handed pitching prospect who has been used exclusively as a reliever since he made seven starts in the New York-Penn League in 2018. Guilbeau is older but the 26-year-old lacks MLB experience of any kind. Alvarado is only 20 but he has struggled in Rookie ball, both this season and last. Overall, Seattle did not receive much in return for two quality big-league relievers.
Fantasy impact
There is very limited fantasy appeal with Strickland and Elias, who move to a contending team in Washington but will be pitching in front of Doolittle (at least). Meanwhile, Fletcher, Guilbeau and Alvarado hold no fantasy value at this time.
