Mets Swoop In To Claim DFA’d Red Sox Right-Hander
That didn't take long...
The Boston Red Sox traded for Johan Oviedo on Thursday, but they had to give up multiple players to get him, including Cooper Criswell (in the form of a DFA to create roster space).
Well, Criswell already has a new club. According to reporting from ESPN’s Jorge Castillo, the New York Mets have claimed Criswell off waivers.
Criswell was 1-0 with an ERA of 3.57, nine strikeouts and one save in seven appearances in 2025 for Boston.
Criswell debuted with the Los Angeles Angels in 2021, appearing in one game before a waiver claim landed him with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2023. There, he logged 33 innings across 10 relief outings, posting a 5.73 ERA.
Cooper joined the Red Sox on a one-year, $1 million deal in December 2023. In 2024, he thrived as a versatile swingman, delivering 99.1 innings with a 4.08 ERA, including 73 strikeouts and a career-high six wins.
Last season proved tougher. Starting in Triple-A Worcester, where he went 4-2 with a 3.70 ERA over 65.2 innings, Criswell shuttled to Boston for 17 2/3 big-league frames, though elbow inflammation sidelined him in late August.
Criswell, 29, gives the Mets a nice depth arm for their bullpen, which recently saw the addition of Devin Williams. It remains to be seen whether the Mets will bring back star closer Edwin Diaz in 2026.
