The Boston Red Sox’s second major trade of the offseason may not fundamentally shake up the balance of powers in the American League East, but getting a hulking (6’6″) starting pitcher with tantalizing raw stuff was a nice play by the front office ahead of the Winter Meetings.
Sure, it came at the expense of top prospect Jhostynxon Garcia, a slugger with the kind of power the Red Sox covet. Unfortunately, among a group of about eight starting-caliber outfielders, he had simply become superfluous on the roster.
There was some prospect talent involved that could be an indication of the Red Sox looking to add even more pitching, but the immediate fallout of this deal is a one-for-one swap that will bring Johan Oviedo to Alex Cora’s rotation to join Garrett Crochet, Sonny Gray, and Brayan Bello.
However, beyond the five players moved in the deal, another was designated for assignment to make room for Oviedo and Tyler Samaniego on the 40-man roster: Cooper Criswell.
Signed earlier in the offseason to a one-year contract, Criswell has been a reliable depth arm for the Red Sox over the past two seasons. Unfortunately, it appears his time with the team has come to an end.
Cooper Criswell claimed off waivers by Mets, who continue to poach Red Sox pitchers
Criswell was claimed off waivers by the New York Mets, who have made a habit of taking pitching talent from the Red Sox organization this offseason.
Along with Criswell, the Mets have also acquired Robert Stock and Nick Burdi since the end of the 2025 season. That’s no coincidence — Justin Willard, former Red Sox director of pitching, was hired as New York’s pitching coach this offseason.
For those wondering why Criswell had to be DFA’d: The Pirates protected Samaniego from the Rule 5 Draft back in November by adding him to their 40-man roster. The Red Sox’s 40-man was (and is) full; thus, they had to clear a spot by offering up Criswell to waivers.
The 29-year-old righty wasn’t used much by Boston since he signed two years ago, pitching just 17 2/3 innings in 2025 after falling just short of 100 frames the year prior. Still, he ran a 4.00 ERA and 4.31 FIP in that time, making 19 starts and 14 appearances out of the bullpen.
His swingman presence will be missed, but it’s clear the Red Sox are overhauling their pitching staff, and epsecially their rotation, this offseason. Oviedo and Gray now mark two-fifths of the team’s expected Opening Day rotation, and it’s not out of the question that the 26-year-old Samaniego could make his MLB debut at some point in 2026.
