Seattle general manager Jerry Dipoto likely approached many teams, including the Red Sox, about Roenis Elias and Hunter Strickland but probably settled on the best offer.
On a sidenote, my fantasy team with Strickland applauded the trade of Elias because Strickland likely would be elevated to the closer's role in Seattle. The fortunes were reversed moments later when the Mariners traded Strickland to the same Nationals club.