BOSTON, MA — In a strategic move to strengthen their pitching lineup, the Boston Red Sox announced the signing of right-handed pitcher Cooper Criswell to a one-year contract for the upcoming 2024 season. This latest acquisition brings the team’s 40-man roster to a near full count at 39 players.
Criswell, a 27-year-old Georgia native, is set to bring his diverse experience to the Red Sox bullpen. In the 2023 season, he appeared in 10 games for the Tampa Bay Rays, exclusively in relief roles, clocking a 5.73 ERA over 33.0 innings pitched. Notably, each of his outings with the Rays lasted a minimum of 2.0 innings, showcasing his stamina and versatility on the mound.
His performance extended beyond the major league, as Criswell also demonstrated commendable skill in Triple-A with the Durham Bulls. Over 23 games, including 17 starts, he maintained a 3.93 ERA across 84.2 innings pitched.
Criswell’s journey to the Red Sox began with the Los Angeles Angels, who selected him in the 13th round of the 2018 First-Year Player Draft. His major league career, though brief, has been a mix of learning and growth, evidenced by his accumulated 5.97 ERA over 12 games, including two starts, with both the Angels and Rays.
The Red Sox’s 40-man roster now boasts a robust mix of talent, particularly in the pitching department. Alongside Criswell, the roster includes notable names like Chris Sale, Kenley Jansen, and Nick Pivetta, promising a competitive pitching lineup for the team. The roster also features a blend of catchers, infielders, outfielders, and versatile infielder/outfielders, positioning the Red Sox as a well-rounded team for the 2024 season.
Criswell’s addition to the Red Sox is a clear indicator of the team’s commitment to enhancing its pitching strength. His track record of durability and adaptability in various pitching scenarios will be a valuable asset to the team’s strategy in the upcoming season.
As the Red Sox prepare for 2024, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how this latest roster adjustment plays out on the field. Criswell’s performance in the major leagues and Triple-A suggests a pitcher with potential and resilience, qualities that will undoubtedly be put to the test in the high-pressure environment of Fenway Park.
Boston Red Sox 40-Man Roster (39)
Pitchers (24): Brayan Bello, Brennan Bernardino, Isaiah Campbell, Kutter Crawford, Cooper Criswell, Wikelman Gonzalez, Tanner Houck, Joe Jacques, Kenley Jansen, Zack Kelly, Mauricio Llovera, Chris Martin, Bryan Mata, Chris Murphy, Luis Perales, Nick Pivetta, Chris Sale, John Schreiber, Justin Slaten, Brandon Walter, Zack Weiss, Greg Weissert, Garrett Whitlock, Josh Winckowski
Catchers (2): Reese McGuire, Connor Wong
Infielders (6): Triston Casas, Bobby Dalbec, Rafael Devers, David Hamilton, Trevor Story, Enmanuel Valdez
Outfielders (5): Wilyer Abreu, Jarren Duran, Tyler O’Neill, Rob Refsnyder, Masataka Yoshida
Infielder/Outfielders (2): Ceddanne Rafaela, Pablo Reyes
