BASEBALL/Fubon Guardians announce signing of former MLB pitcher Roenis Elías

Taipei, Dec. 31 (CNA) The Fubon Guardians of Taiwan's professional baseball league announced on Tuesday the signing of former Major League Baseball (MLB) pitcher Roenis Elías for the 2025 season.

The 36-year-old pitcher from Cuba made his MLB debut with the Seattle Mariners in 2014, and compiled a 10-12 record with an earned run average (ERA) of 3.85 in his first season in the majors, the Guardians of the Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL) said.

During his seven-year stint in the majors, in which he also pitched for the Boston Red Sox and Washington Nationals, the left-hander won a total of 22 games in 133 appearances, both as a starter and middle reliever, with an ERA of 3.96.

After representing Cuba at the 2023 World Baseball Classic, held from March 8-21 across three countries (the U.S., Taiwan and Japan), Elias signed a contract with the SSG Landers of the South Korean professional baseball league.

He pitched two seasons in South Korea, winning 15 games in 44 appearances and compiled an impressive 197 strikeouts.

Elias is expected to arrive in Taiwan for spring training in February, the club said.

According to the Guardians, they are still negotiating with other foreign players to play for the club this year.