Cooper Timothy Criswell Bio
Cooper Timothy Criswell is an American professional baseball pitcher who currently plays for the Seattle Mariners of Major League Baseball. Born on July 24, 1996, in Carrollton, Georgia, Criswell has built a career as a versatile pitcher capable of filling both starting and relief roles across multiple MLB organizations. He was drafted by the Los Angeles Angels in the 13th round of the 2018 MLB Draft and has since appeared for the Tampa Bay Rays and Boston Red Sox before joining the Mariners in January 2026. Throughout his MLB career, Criswell has compiled a 10-8 win-loss record with a 4.32 earned run average and 136 strikeouts through June 2026.
Early Life and Background
Criswell grew up in Carrollton, Georgia, where he attended Carrollton High School. His father, Tim Criswell, played college baseball at Georgia Perimeter College and was selected by the San Francisco Giants with the 21st overall pick in the 1983 MLB Draft. This family background provided Cooper with early exposure to competitive baseball and a pathway to the professional ranks.
Criswell began his college baseball career at Southern Union State Community College. During his sophomore season, he posted an impressive 10-1 win-loss record with a 2.54 earned run average, demonstrating his effectiveness on the mound at the junior college level.
Path to Professional Baseball
After his standout performance at Southern Union State Community College, Criswell transferred to the University of North Carolina to play for the Tar Heels. In his lone season with North Carolina, he went 6-2 with a 2.99 ERA and 86 strikeouts across 75 and one-third innings pitched. His most remarkable performance came on April 11, 2018, when he recorded 13 strikeouts against the University of Miami, earning the Golden Spikes Award Gold Standard Performance of the Week from USA Baseball. This 13-strikeout effort set a record for relief pitchers under coach Mike Fox at North Carolina.
Following his successful college season, Criswell was selected by the Los Angeles Angels in the 13th round of the 2018 MLB Draft. He began his professional career the following season with the Inland Empire 66ers of the High-A California League.
Cooper Timothy Criswell Career
Los Angeles Angels (2021)
Criswell spent most of the 2021 minor league season with the Double-A Rocket City Trash Pandas, where he made 12 starts and posted a 6-4 record with a 3.71 ERA and 85 strikeouts. His strong performance earned him a promotion to Triple-A Salt Lake Bees on July 31, 2021. After going 2-1 with a 3.98 ERA and 27 strikeouts through four starts for Salt Lake, the Angels selected his contract on August 27, 2021. Criswell made his MLB debut that same night, pitching one and one-third innings and allowing three runs. He was optioned back to Triple-A Salt Lake the following day.
Tampa Bay Rays (2022-2023)
On July 16, 2022, Criswell was claimed off waivers by the Tampa Bay Rays. He was designated for assignment shortly after but cleared waivers and was sent outright to the Triple-A Durham Bulls on July 21. He made three starts for Durham, posting a 3.09 ERA with 10 strikeouts across 11 and two-thirds innings. Criswell was selected back to the active roster as a COVID-19 replacement player on September 12, 2022. He tossed three and one-third innings against the Toronto Blue Jays, striking out four while allowing one earned run on two hits.
To begin the 2023 season, Criswell was assigned to Durham and made three starts before his contract was selected to the active roster on April 17. In 10 games for the Rays, he recorded a 5.73 ERA with 27 strikeouts across 33 innings of work. On November 14, 2023, Criswell was designated for assignment after multiple prospects were added to the roster.
Boston Red Sox (2024-2025)
On December 13, 2023, the Boston Red Sox signed Criswell to a one-year, $1 million contract. He began the 2024 season with the Triple-A Worcester Red Sox before being recalled to Boston on April 13 to make a start against his former team, the Los Angeles Angels. In his Red Sox debut, Criswell pitched four innings, allowing five hits, two earned runs, one walk, and four strikeouts as Boston defeated the Angels 7-2.
With injuries to starting pitchers Brayan Bello, Nick Pivetta, and Garrett Whitlock, Criswell remained in the Red Sox starting rotation. On April 24, 2024, he earned his first win with Boston after pitching five scoreless innings in the 8-0 victory over the Cleveland Guardians. Criswell continued to showcase his versatility as both a spot-starter and high-leverage relief pitcher throughout the season. He agreed to another one-year, $1 million contract with the Red Sox for the 2025 season. After starting the season in Triple-A, he was called up multiple times and made his first start of 2025 on August 1 against the Houston Astros, throwing seven innings while giving up one run and striking out four. On December 4, 2025, the Red Sox designated Criswell for assignment.
Seattle Mariners (2026-Present)
On December 5, 2025, Criswell was claimed off waivers by the New York Mets. He was designated for assignment by the Mets on January 21, 2026. Two days later, on January 23, Criswell was traded to the Seattle Mariners in exchange for cash considerations. He earned a three-inning save in an 8-0 win over Cleveland on March 29, 2026, demonstrating his ability to contribute in high-leverage situations for his new organization.
Driving Style and Strengths
Criswell has established himself as a versatile pitcher capable of adapting to different roles within a bullpen or rotation. His ability to pitch effectively as both a spot starter and in relief situations has made him a valuable asset for multiple organizations. He has shown the capacity to work through lineups multiple times and handle pressure situations when called upon.
Notable Events and Milestones
Throughout his career, Criswell has achieved several notable milestones. His MLB debut with the Angels in August 2021 marked his entry into the majors. His first career win with the Red Sox on April 24, 2024, against the Cleveland Guardians was a defining moment, as he pitched five scoreless innings in an 8-0 victory. His record-setting 13-strikeout performance as a relief pitcher at North Carolina in 2018 remains a significant achievement in his collegiate career.
Cooper Timothy Criswell Career Wins
Throughout his MLB career spanning from 2021 through the 2026 season, Criswell has accumulated a 10-8 win-loss record with a 4.32 earned run average and 136 strikeouts. His career has been characterized by versatility and adaptability across multiple organizations and roles.
MLB Highlights
Through June 2026, Criswell has appeared in 10 MLB games, accumulating a 10-8 record with a 4.32 ERA and 136 strikeouts. His first MLB win came with the Boston Red Sox on April 24, 2024, when he pitched five scoreless innings against the Cleveland Guardians. He earned his first save of the 2026 season with the Seattle Mariners on March 29 against Cleveland. His most recent start came on August 1, 2025, with Boston against Houston, where he threw seven innings of one-run ball.
Other Performances
In addition to his MLB work, Criswell has consistently performed well in Triple-A Baseball. His minor league statistics include a combined record that reflects his ability to compete at the highest levels of the minors. His successful college career at North Carolina, where he earned conference recognition and set a strikeout record, established the foundation for his professional success.
Cooper Timothy Criswell Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Criswell comes from a baseball family with deep roots in the sport. His father, Tim Criswell, played college baseball at Georgia Perimeter College before being drafted by the San Francisco Giants with the 21st overall pick in the 1983 MLB Draft. This familial connection provided Cooper with both genetic advantages and valuable baseball knowledge passed down through generations.
Personal Life
Criswell married his wife Alex in December 2022. The couple announced they were expecting a child in May 2023 and welcomed their son, Cash Alexander Criswell, on November 9, 2023. Criswell maintains connections to his Georgia roots while building his professional career across different parts of the country.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represented another year of transition and development for Criswell with the Boston Red Sox. After agreeing to another one-year, $1 million contract, he began the season in Triple-A before receiving multiple call-ups to the major league roster. His versatility as both a spot-starter and relief pitcher remained a defining characteristic of his role with the organization. He made his first start of the season on August 1 against the Houston Astros, delivering a strong performance by allowing just one run over seven innings while striking out four batters. Across seven appearances with Boston in 2025, Criswell logged a 1-0 record with a 3.57 ERA and nine strikeouts, adding one save to his career totals. The Red Sox ultimately designated him for assignment on December 4, 2025, leading to his claim by the New York Mets and subsequent trade to the Seattle Mariners. His ability to fill multiple roles throughout his career has positioned him as a reliable depth option for teams seeking flexible pitching assets.