Cooper Criswell Bio
Cooper Timothy Criswell is an American professional baseball pitcher for the New York Mets of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the Los Angeles Angels, Tampa Bay Rays, and Boston Red Sox. Criswell grew up in Carrollton, Georgia, and had a notable college baseball career at the University of North Carolina after starting at Southern Union State Community College. In the MLB, he has made contributions across multiple teams and has demonstrated versatility as both a spot starter and a relief pitcher.
Early Life and Background
Cooper Timothy Criswell was born on July 24, 1996, in Carrollton, Georgia. He attended Carrollton High School, where he began to develop his skills as a baseball player. His early exposure to the sport came from his father, Tim Criswell, who played college baseball at Georgia Perimeter College and was drafted by the San Francisco Giants in 1983. This familial connection to baseball likely influenced Cooper’s passion for the game and his pursuit of a professional career.
After high school, Criswell began his college baseball career at Southern Union State Community College. During his sophomore year, he achieved a remarkable 10–1 win-loss record with a 2.54 earned run average (ERA), which led him to transfer to the University of North Carolina. At North Carolina, he continued to excel, finishing his lone season with a 6–2 record, a 2.99 ERA, and 86 strikeouts in over 75 innings pitched. His performance caught the attention of scouts, and he was recognized for his outstanding play, including being named the Golden Spikes Award Gold Standard Performance of the Week by USA Baseball after a standout game against the University of Miami.
Path to Baseball
Cooper Criswell was selected by the Los Angeles Angels in the 13th round of the 2018 Major League Baseball Draft. He began his professional career in 2019 with the Inland Empire 66ers of the High-A California League. Unfortunately, the 2020 minor league season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which delayed his development. In 2021, Criswell was assigned to 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 performance earned him a promotion to the Triple-A Salt Lake Bees, where he continued to impress with a 2–1 record and a 3.98 ERA in four starts. On August 27, 2021, Criswell made his MLB debut with the Los Angeles Angels, although it was a challenging outing where he allowed three runs in just over an inning of work. Despite this rocky start, he continued to work on his game and was determined to establish himself in the league.
Cooper Criswell Career
Early Career (2021)
After his debut, Criswell faced challenges, including a shoulder injury that placed him on the injured list in April 2022. He was later claimed off waivers by the Tampa Bay Rays, where he had a brief stint in the major leagues. In 2022, he made his first significant contributions as a COVID-19 replacement player, showcasing his ability to step up when needed.
In 2023, Criswell continued to develop his skills with the Rays, posting a 5.73 ERA in 10 games. His versatility as both a starter and a relief pitcher became a valuable asset for the team. On December 13, 2023, Criswell signed a one-year, $1 million contract with the Boston Red Sox, marking a new chapter in his career.
Breakthrough (2024)
Criswell made his Red Sox debut on April 13, 2024, against the Los Angeles Angels, where he pitched four innings, allowing two earned runs and striking out four batters. His performance was promising, and he quickly became a part of the Red Sox starting rotation due to injuries to other pitchers. On April 24, 2024, he earned his first win with the Red Sox after a stellar five-inning performance against the Cleveland Guardians.
Throughout the 2024 season, Criswell showcased his ability to adapt and thrive in various roles, including high-leverage situations. He made significant contributions to the team, including a standout performance against the Houston Astros, where he pitched seven innings and allowed only one run. His consistent performances solidified his place in the Red Sox rotation and earned him recognition as a reliable pitcher.
Notable Works and Milestones
Cooper Criswell’s signature work includes his impressive performances with the Boston Red Sox, particularly during the 2024 season. His ability to transition between starting and relief roles has made him a valuable asset to his teams. As of the end of the 2024 season, he has a win-loss record of 8–7 and an earned run average of 4.48, with 113 strikeouts.
Cooper Criswell Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Cooper Criswell has yet to receive any formal award nominations. However, his performances in college and the MLB have garnered attention and respect from fans and analysts alike.
Cooper Criswell Awards Won
Cooper Criswell has not yet won any major awards in his professional baseball career. His focus remains on improving his skills and contributing to his team’s success.
Cooper Criswell Family
Cooper Criswell is the son of Tim and Dawn Criswell. His father played college baseball, which likely influenced Cooper’s passion for the sport. Criswell is married to Alex, and the couple welcomed their first child, a son named Cash Alexander Criswell, in November 2023.
Personal Life
Cooper Criswell married his girlfriend Alex on December 10, 2022. The couple announced their pregnancy in May 2023, and they welcomed their son Cash in November 2023. Criswell’s family life is an essential aspect of his journey, providing support as he navigates his professional baseball career.
