The SSG Landers of the Korean Baseball Organization have re-signed left-hander Roenis Elias and outfielder Guillermo Heredia, per Jeeho Yoo of Yonhap News. The report goes on to note that Elias signed for a $1MM salary while Heredia signed for $1.5MM.
A veteran of seven MLB seasons, Elias began his career as a starting pitcher with the Mariners back in 2014. After missing much of the 2016 and ’17 seasons due to injury, Elias later transitioned to the bullpen. He found success in that role with both the Mariners and Nationals, pitching to a 3.30 ERA across 71 appearances from 2018-19. Unfortunately for Elias, Tommy John surgery in early 2021 would derail his newfound relief career somewhat. He pitched just 7 2/3 innings in the majors following his surgery.
Elias began starting again during the 2022-23 offseason, and initially signed on with the Cubs on a minor league deal that winter. After making four starts with the club at the Triple-A level, he was picked up by the Landers for the remainder of the 2023 campaign. He did fairly well in his return to starting, with a 3.70 ERA in 131 1/3 innings for SSG last season that placed him in the middle of the club’s rotation behind fellow former big leaguers Kwang Hyun Kim and Kirk McCarty. He figures to continue in that role with the Landers in 2024, his age-35 campaign.
Heredia joined the Mariners back in 2016 after defecting from Cuba and spent seven seasons in the majors as a fourth outfielder, slashing .231/.310/.346 while playing solid defense across all three outfield spots for the Rays, Pirates, Mets, and Braves as well as the Mariners. Heredia was non-tendered by the Braves following the 2022 campaign and signed with the Landers shortly thereafter. Heredia excelled in an everyday role with SSG this past season, slashing .324/.385/.461 while hitting 12 home runs, a career-best for him at any level of professional baseball. Heredia figures to continue in his role as the Landers’ everyday left field in 2024 while also seeing occasional time in center.
Braves Legend Guillermo Heredia
Red Sox Legend Roenis Elias
Heredia was a legend indeed. The Braves have desperately missed him in their clubhouse, it just does not seem the same without him.
YEAHH
@MLB – Slow work day thus far…
Guillermo Heredia:
Braves Clubhouse Clown!
Glad to see those plastic swords gone last year!
Afraid somebody get their eye knocked out, or someone getting injured swinging them! A lot of difference in a 33 oz. wood bat and an almost weightless plastic toy! Can’t remember who it was but somebody had an oblique strain from goofing off with a similar object. Those injuries can go on for a long time.
If I signed up for “Korean Baseball Trade Rumors” would they run stories about MLB guys?
No you would mostly get Midwest League signings. If you want MLB signings you have to sign up for Nippon trade rumors since the Japanese guys seem to be the only ones being signed and chased nowadays.
Who knew?
Portland Pickles and Savannah Bananas to open 2024 KBO’s All-Star festivities with 3 inning Game to be named later as the Chiquita-Vlasic Classic! Slow Day! PLAYOFFS? You talkin’ bout Practice, Man! Is there a question here?
Lander? I barely even know her.
*slaps self*