The New York Mets made a significant move in the Major League Baseball offseason, acquiring two-time All-Star starting pitcher Freddy Peralta from the Milwaukee Brewers in a four-player trade. This development has implications for the Boston Red Sox, particularly concerning their former player, right-hander Cooper Criswell.
In the trade announced on the evening of December 6, 2023, the Mets added Peralta along with two players from the Brewers’ 40-man roster, while sending just one player back. In order to make room for the new arrivals, the Mets designated Criswell for assignment, a fate he previously faced with the Red Sox just last month.
Criswell joined the Mets on December 5, 2023, after being claimed off waivers. The Red Sox had initially signed him to a guaranteed salary of $800,000 to prevent him from entering free agency. However, with the team’s recent additions of pitchers Johan Oviedo and Tyler Samaniego, the Red Sox were unable to retain Criswell, who subsequently found himself once again on the waiver wire.
While the likelihood of the Red Sox claiming Criswell off waivers appears slim, the situation may change if he clears waivers and is willing to accept a non-roster invitation for spring training. Boston has expressed interest in maintaining him as an insurance option at the Triple-A level. Over the course of a lengthy 162-game season, there is often an opportunity for pitchers like Criswell to see action in the major leagues.
Criswell is known as a versatile swingman, a player who can fill multiple roles within a pitching staff, making him a valuable asset for teams navigating the challenges of a full season. It would not be surprising if he is claimed once again, given the interest he generated during his previous stint on waivers.
If he does not return to Boston, it is likely that another team will seek to add him to their roster, providing him with a chance to compete for a spot in their major league rotation during spring training. As the offseason progresses, the Red Sox will continue to evaluate their pitching options, especially in light of this recent trade that reshapes the landscape of the league.
The Mets’ acquisition of Peralta illustrates the competitive nature of the offseason, and how quickly player dynamics can shift in Major League Baseball. As teams prepare for the upcoming season, the strategies employed during this critical period will undoubtedly have lasting effects on their performance in the months to come.
