Seattle Mariners make a mid-season pitching addition
The Seattle Mariners have bolstered their pitching depth by acquiring right-hander Cooper Criswell from the New York Mets for cash considerations. The deal comes after Criswell was designated for assignment by the Mets earlier in the week, a move prompted by New York’s later additions to the pitching staff.
Context of the move
Seattle moved to acquire Criswell after the Mets claimed Freddy Peralta and Tobias Myers from the Milwaukee Brewers, a transaction that reshuffled several bullpen and rotation pieces in Queens. With Criswell now on board, the Mariners add a hurler who has spent time in multiple professional environments and can provide innings at the major league level or in the minor leagues as needed. The cash considerations aspect of the trade is a reminder of the practical, short-term financial flexibility teams seek when balancing a roster that is continually evolving through injuries, performance, and depth needs.
What Criswell brings to Seattle
Cooper Criswell is recognized for his durable right-handed delivery and versatility on the mound. While he has not established himself as a full-time rotation option at the major league level, he has logged innings across several seasons and organizations, adapting to different roles as required by clubs. His experience can be particularly valuable for a Mariners team that often values depth and readiness in its pitching staff.
Role expectations with the Mariners
In Seattle, Criswell could compete for a spot in the bullpen or serve as a depth option in the rotation when call-ups are necessary due to injuries or schedule strain. The Mariners have historically prized pitchers who can bridge gaps between starts and provide bullpen relief during tight games. Criswell’s presence adds another tool to Seattle’s pitching room, where versatility and inning management are critical during the grind of a long MLB season.
Impact on the Mariners’ pitching strategy
Acquiring a pitcher through cash considerations rather than a trade asset signals a practical, low-risk move for Seattle. It suggests the team’s immediate priority is internal competition and depth rather than a wholesale rebuild of the staff. For a franchise that has seen ups and downs in its rotation stability, Criswell’s addition could offer a reliable option when the club needs a fresh arm in the middle innings of games or when pitchers are navigating prolonged workloads.
What this means for Mets and market dynamics
From the Mets’ perspective, Criswell’s DFA clearance opened a roster spot amid a series of aggressive moves to reinforce the pitching staff. The cash-for-player approach benefits both teams: the Mets clear space and receive a minor financial return, while Seattle gains a cost-efficient arm who could contribute at the major league level if he performs well in spring training or at the start of the season.
A closer look at the potential timeline
Crucially, Criswell’s path to significant workload with Seattle may hinge on his organizational performance in spring camp and the opening weeks of the season. If he responds well to coaching and adapts to Seattle’s pitching philosophy, he could early in the season be in position to supplement the rotation or help in the bullpen during crowded schedules.
Takeaways for Mariners fans
Mariners supporters should view this move as a practical, depth-oriented addition. While Criswell may not become a frontline starter, his ability to step in when needed aligns with Seattle’s strategy of maintaining a flexible pitching staff capable of absorbing injuries or suspending workloads without sacrificing competitive balance on the mound.
Conclusion
The Cooper Criswell acquisition is a quiet but meaningful piece in Seattle’s broader plan to sustain pitching depth throughout a demanding MLB season. As he reports to camp and competes for a role, Mariners fans will be watching to see how his experiences across different organizations translate to effective innings in Seattle.
