Eric Canha-Imagn Images

Red Sox Announce Roster Move After Johan Oviedo Trade

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jake Elman | Last updated Dec 5, 2025 3:46 PM ET

The Boston Red Sox announced that the New York Mets claimed pitcher Cooper Criswell off waivers on Friday afternoon.

Boston designated the 29‑year-old Criswell for assignment on Thursday, shortly after acquiring pitchers Johan Oviedo and Tyler Samaniego in a trade with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Criswell went 7‑5 with a 4.00 ERA across 117 innings in 33 games (19 starts) with the Red Sox over the last two seasons.

Criswell became expendable amid the Red Sox’s recent pitching overhaul. In addition to trading for Oviedo, the Red Sox recently acquired St. Louis Cardinals veteran and three-time All-Star Sonny Gray. Those two join Garrett Crochet in an already-improved Red Sox rotation ahead of the Winter Meetings, which begin Monday, Dec. 8, in Florida.

What to Know About New York Mets Pitcher Cooper Criswell

A 2018 13th-round pick of the Los Angeles Angels, Criswell is 8‑7 with a 4.46 ERA in 154⅔ career innings. He debuted with the Angels in 2021 and spent the next two seasons with the Tampa Bay Rays.

Given his experience and affordability, Criswell could appeal to the Mets as a long reliever or spot starter. David Peterson and Clay Holmes are the only Mets pitchers who started at least 25 games in 2025. Kodai Senga, who recorded a 3.02 ERA in 22 starts, was demoted to the minors at one point and has been mentioned as a potential trade candidate.

Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Cooper Criswell during the 2025 seasonPaul Rutherford-Imagn Images

Although Criswell has pitched out of the bullpen in the majors and minors, he has traditionally been a starter. However, all 10 of his appearances for the Rays in 2023 came as a reliever.

Criswell is the second veteran pitcher to join the Mets this week. Devin Williams, a two-time All-Star closer and the 2020 NL Rookie of the Year winner, officially signed a three-year, $51 million contract on Wednesday.

If Criswell gets an opportunity with the Mets, he'll need to wait a bit before getting his chance at revenge. The Mets don’t play the Red Sox until a three-game set at Citi Field beginning July 10.

With or without Criswell, the Mets begin the 2026 season on Thursday, March 26, at home against Paul Skenes and the Pittsburgh Pirates.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: