In a surprising turn of events for baseball fans, the New York Mets continue to shake things up with their roster management. Just when you thought their busy week was winding down, they made another move by trading pitcher Cooper Criswell to the Seattle Mariners in exchange for cash considerations. This announcement came from Seattle on Friday and adds yet another layer to the Mets’ recent activity in the off-season.
Previously, Criswell had been designated for assignment just days earlier, on Wednesday. At 29 years old, this right-handed pitcher has had an interesting journey. Last season, he served as a swingman for the Boston Red Sox, showcasing his versatility on the mound. The Mets initially acquired him from Boston in December, viewing him as a valuable addition to enhance their pitching depth.
To accommodate Criswell’s arrival, the Mariners made a roster adjustment by designating left-handed pitcher Jhonathan Diaz for assignment, who only made one appearance for the Seattle team last season.
During his 2025 campaign, Criswell pitched for both the Red Sox and their Triple-A affiliate in Worcester, where he managed to achieve a commendable 3.70 ERA, striking out 68 batters over 65⅔ innings. His brief time in the major leagues was equally impressive, as he recorded a 3.57 ERA across seven appearances with the Red Sox, indicating his potential as a reliable option for any team.
Criswell’s professional baseball journey began when he was selected in the 13th round of the 2018 MLB Draft. Over five seasons in the majors, he has compiled a career ERA of 4.48 over 154⅔ innings, having also contributed to teams like the Tampa Bay Rays and the Los Angeles Angels.
Adding to the excitement, after Criswell's trade, he was DFA’d by the Mets to clear a spot on their 40-man roster, following their deal to bring Freddy Peralta over from the Brewers. Mets President of Baseball Operations, David Stearns—who has a background as the general manager of the Brewers—has expressed strong confidence in Peralta, emphasizing his role as a stable starter for the upcoming season.
"Freddy has clearly established himself as one of the top starters in baseball, one of the most consistent starters in baseball, over the past few years," Stearns stated during a video call from Citi Field. "He’s a player I know well, a player I trust. I believe he will blend very well with our organization, the team, and our city."
What do you think about these strategic moves by the Mets? Are they building a winning team or making questionable decisions? Share your thoughts in the comments!
