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1h ago

Mets Claim Cooper Criswell After Red Sox's Waiver Gamble Backfires

Boston had guaranteed the 29-year-old right-hander $800,000 to slip him through waivers after a roster squeeze from a Pirates trade.

WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 26: A view of a New York Mets baseball cap in the dugout during the game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on April 26, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
Boston Red Sox pitcher Cooper Criswell throws in the first inning as the Red Sox take on the Rays at Fenway on May 16, 2024. (Staff Photo/Stuart Cahill/Boston Herald)
Apr 3, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora prior to the game against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-Imagn Images
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Overview

  • The New York Mets claimed right-hander Cooper Criswell off waivers Friday, a day after the Red Sox designated him for assignment.
  • Boston moved him off the 40-man roster to complete a five-player deal with the Pirates that added Johan Oviedo and two minor leaguers.
  • The Red Sox had given Criswell a fully guaranteed $800,000 salary—slightly above the league minimum—in hopes it would deter a waiver claim.
  • Criswell, 29, profiles as a swingman, logging a 3.57 ERA in seven MLB appearances in 2025 and a 4.08 ERA over 26 games in 2024, plus a 3.70 ERA in Triple-A last season.
  • The Mets see the claim as depth for 2026, with a likely long-relief or swingman role under new pitching coach Justin Willard, who previously worked in Boston.