In the high-stakes world of Major League Baseball, roster moves can make or break a team's season—and for Cooper Criswell, it’s been a rollercoaster ride. The New York Mets recently announced they’ve designated the right-hander for assignment, a move that’s as strategic as it is emotional. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is this a fair shake for a player who’s been caught in the crossfire of offseason trades, or just another casualty of the business side of baseball? Let’s dive in.
The Mets’ decision came after their two-for-two trade earlier in the evening, which brought Freddy Peralta into the fold. To make room on the 40-man roster, they had to part ways with Criswell, who had only recently been claimed off waivers from the Boston Red Sox. This isn’t the first time Criswell has been a DFA casualty this offseason—the Red Sox designated him after acquiring Jhostynxon Garcia and Johan Oviedo. It’s a harsh reality for a player who’s shown promise but keeps getting shuffled around like a pawn in a high-stakes chess game.
Earlier this offseason, Criswell and the Red Sox agreed to an $800,000 contract, slightly above the MLB minimum. While this might seem like a win for the player, it’s often a red flag. Teams frequently offer slightly above-minimum deals to players they’re considering dropping from the 40-man roster. Why? It’s a strategic move. The salary acts as a minor deterrent for other teams looking to claim the player on waivers, and it incentivizes the player to accept a minor league assignment if they clear waivers. It’s a clever tactic, but one that raises questions about fairness in player treatment.
And this is the part most people miss: Criswell, at 29, has the right to decline future outright assignments after being outrighted by the Rays in 2022. However, with guaranteed money on the table, he’s less likely to walk away. This means the Mets could potentially stash him in Triple-A if no other team claims him. It’s a fine line between opportunity and exploitation, and it leaves fans wondering: Where’s the loyalty in the game?
Criswell’s performance isn’t the issue. In 2024, he had a solid season in a swing role, pitching a career-high 99 1/3 innings with a 4.08 ERA. While he doesn’t boast overwhelming velocity or swing-and-miss stuff, he’s reliable—throwing strikes and inducing ground balls. Last season, his big league appearances were limited to just 17 2/3 innings across seven games, but he excelled in Triple-A Worcester, posting a 3.70 ERA with an above-average 24.5% strikeout rate over 65 2/3 innings. It’s clear he has value, yet he’s been caught in the roster shuffle.
So, here’s the burning question: Is Cooper Criswell a victim of circumstance, or is this just the harsh reality of modern baseball? Let us know your thoughts in the comments. Do you think players like Criswell deserve more stability, or is this just part of the game? One thing’s for sure—his story is a reminder that behind every roster move, there’s a player’s career hanging in the balance.
