The Mets are still on the move.
In a transaction that might feel minor compared to their flurry of deals last week, the Mets have traded pitcher Cooper Criswell to the Mariners for cash, a move Seattle confirmed on Friday.
Criswell had been designated for assignment earlier this week on Wednesday.
This 29-year-old right-hander is noteworthy for having filled a swingman role with the Red Sox last season. The Mets actually picked him up off waivers from Boston back in December, hoping he could add some depth to their pitching staff.
To accommodate Criswell, Seattle has opted to promote left-handed pitcher Jonathan Diaz, who only made one appearance for the Mariners last year.
Criswell spent the 2025 season with Boston and their Triple-A affiliate, Worcester, where he recorded a 3.70 ERA along with 68 strikeouts over 65 and two-thirds innings.
Interestingly, he had a pretty decent showing in the big leagues last year too, compiling a 3.57 ERA in seven games with the Red Sox.
Drafted in the 13th round of the 2018 MLB Draft, Criswell has five seasons of major league experience under his belt, pitching a total of 154 and two-thirds innings and achieving a career ERA of 4.48.
Over his career, he has also pitched for the Rays and Angels, alongside his time with the Red Sox.
After the Mets traded for Freddy Peralta from the Brewers, Criswell was DFAed to make space on their 40-man roster.
Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns, who knows Peralta well from his time as the Brewers’ GM, expressed confidence in him for the coming season. “Freddie has clearly established himself over the last few years as one of the top starters in baseball, and consistently so,” Stearns remarked during a video call. “He’s a player I believe in, and I think he’ll fit in nicely with our organization and the city.”
