The Boston Red Sox offseason has taken another surprising turn, as the team officially lost right-handed pitcher Cooper Criswell, who was claimed off waivers by the New York Mets. Criswell’s departure comes as a result of Boston designating him for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster for newly acquired starter Johan Oviedo, leaving a notable gap in the Red Sox bullpen.
Criswell, 29, was a versatile arm for Boston, able to serve as a long reliever, spot starter, or high-leverage option when needed. In 2025, he appeared in seven games for the Red Sox, recording a 1-0 record, 3.57 ERA, nine strikeouts, and one save. While his season was limited due to elbow inflammation, Criswell provided depth and flexibility that the Red Sox bullpen can ill afford to lose.
Originally debuting with the Los Angeles Angels in 2021, Criswell moved to the Tampa Bay Rays in 2023 via waiver claim, where he pitched 33 innings over 10 relief appearances, posting a 5.73 ERA. He joined Boston in December 2023 on a one-year, $1 million contract, and 2024 proved to be his standout season. That year, he threw 99.1 innings with a 4.08 ERA, struck out 73 batters, and secured six wins, showcasing his versatility and durability.
However, the 2025 season was more challenging. Starting in Triple-A Worcester, Criswell posted a 4-2 record with a 3.70 ERA over 65.2 innings before moving up to Boston, where injuries limited him to just 17 2/3 innings. His health issues and limited appearances may have contributed to Boston’s decision to DFA him, but the timing has created a surprising and sudden hole in the bullpen, leaving fans and analysts questioning the depth behind the Red Sox rotation.
The New York Mets wasted no time in claiming Criswell off waivers, adding him as a right-handed depth option to their bullpen alongside recent acquisition Devin Williams. While Criswell’s role in New York is still to be defined, he provides the Mets with a versatile arm capable of multiple bullpen roles, which could be crucial as the team prepares for the 2026 season.
For the Red Sox, losing Criswell in this manner represents an unexpected instability in a bullpen that was already in flux due to offseason trades and acquisitions. While the front office prioritized strengthening the starting rotation with Johan Oviedo and Sonny Gray, the departure of a reliable swingman highlights the risks of roster management during a busy offseason. With Criswell gone, Boston may need to explore additional bullpen options, whether through free agency, trades, or promoting from within, to ensure the team has sufficient depth heading into 2026.
Analysts note that this move underscores the delicate balancing act Boston faces this offseason—juggling roster spots, payroll constraints, and pitching depth while attempting to field a rotation capable of competing in the AL East. While the acquisitions of Oviedo and Gray strengthen the top of the rotation, the loss of Criswell creates a hole in the middle-to-late relief corps, an area that could prove costly if not addressed before spring training.
For Red Sox fans, the news is a reminder that offseason moves can be unexpected and disruptive, and that while the team’s starting rotation is looking formidable, the bullpen may face early tests. Meanwhile, Mets fans can look forward to Criswell providing a much-needed right-handed option, potentially helping stabilize New York’s relief corps and giving the team flexibility as they head into 2026.
