Earlier this offseason, the New York Mets made a waiver claim to acquire the side-winding right-handed pitcher Cooper Criswell from the Boston Red Sox.
About a month-and-a-half later, they've left Criswell out there for the taking by another team.
The Mets needed to make 40-man roster space after the trade for Freddy Peralta and Tobias Myers on Wednesday night, so they designated Criswell for assignment.
That puts Criswell on waivers, where another team could claim him, just like the Mets did in early December.
MORE: Bo Bichette comments exhibit clear hyprocrisy
If Criswell clears waivers, he can stay in the Mets' organization.
It's a necessary reality to upgrading the big league roster with a big trade (and the trade the night before for centerfielder Luis Robert Jr.). The guys on the fringes sometimes have to be let go.
It's just more ironic when it's a guy like Criswell, who hasn't even pitched for the Mets yet.
Criswell 29 years old and pitched in seven games for the Red Sox in 2025, going 17.2 innings and putting up a 3.57 ERA.
MORE: How Trent Grisham's decision ruined the Yankees' offseason plans
He has pitched 154.2 innings total in his MLB career with an ERA of 4.48. Criswell has also pitched for the Angels and Rays.
Criswell was effective in Triple-A in 2025 for the Worcester Red Sox, throwing 65.2 innings with a 3.70 ERA.
The Mets surely wouldn't mind keeping him around if he clears waivers, but Criswell may be just good enough to entice another team into a claim.
More MLB news:
- Team USA's projected WBC lineup is incredible
- Dominican Republic's projected WBC lineup is fierce
- Red Sox are paying Manny Ramirez same 2026 salary as Dodgers are paying Shohei Ohtani
- Buster Posey will change Hall of Fame voting forever
- An Air Force Captain will pitch for Team USA at the World Baseball Classic
- Hunter Pence's nephew has the best name and a 100 MPH fastball