Mets Trade Cooper Criswell to Mariners to Make Room for Freddy Peralta

The New York Mets continue to reshape their roster this offseason as they prepare for a playoff push in 2026. Following a blockbuster trade for starting pitcher Freddy Peralta from the Milwaukee Brewers, the organization made another move Friday, sending a pitcher to the Seattle Mariners.

Reports confirmed that 29-year-old right-hander Cooper Criswell has been traded to Seattle, opening a spot for Peralta on the Mets’ roster, according to ESPN’s Jorge Castillo. Criswell had been designated for assignment shortly before the trade.

Criswell, who spent the previous two seasons with the Boston Red Sox, was claimed off waivers by the Mets just days earlier. Despite limited time in New York, the team acted quickly to move him, reflecting the urgency in finalizing its pitching staff ahead of the 2026 season.

The move underscores the Mets’ active offseason strategy as they aim to bolster both their rotation and overall roster, building on a team that fell short of the playoffs in 2025.

1. Cooper Criswell’s Career and Role

Criswell owns a 4.48 career ERA with a 1.435 WHIP, totaling 113 strikeouts over 154.2 innings pitched. While not a front-line starter, he has experience in the major leagues and provides depth to any rotation or bullpen. In Boston, Criswell demonstrated consistency as a right-handed arm capable of eating innings, though he struggled at times with command and limiting runs. The Mets initially claimed him to provide flexibility in the bullpen or as a potential swingman in the rotation. The Mariners, meanwhile, acquire a pitcher with MLB experience and the potential to contribute immediately, addressing a need for depth in Seattle’s pitching staff. Criswell’s arrival gives them a versatile arm while giving New York the roster space to activate Peralta. The quick turnaround from waiver claim to trade highlights the fluid nature of offseason roster management and the speed with which teams must act to balance depth and star acquisitions.

2. Freddy Peralta Joins as Mets’ Ace

Peralta, 29, is expected to anchor the Mets’ starting rotation as the team’s ace. The two-time All-Star is coming off the best season of his eight-year career with Milwaukee, posting a 2.70 ERA, 1.075 WHIP, and 204 strikeouts over a career-high 176.2 innings. His arrival provides immediate impact and credibility to a rotation that struggled at times in 2025. Peralta’s ability to dominate hitters with high-velocity fastballs and sharp breaking pitches gives the Mets a top-end arm capable of contending in crucial games. This trade is part of a larger Mets strategy that includes adding infielder Bo Bichette, outfielder Luis Robert Jr., and closer Devin Williams. Management is signaling that it is going all-in to compete in the National League after falling short of the postseason last year. Peralta’s performance, combined with roster upgrades, positions New York as a serious contender, while moves like the Criswell trade demonstrate the front office’s willingness to make tough decisions to improve the team immediately.

3. Offseason Strategy and Outlook

The Mets’ offseason activity reflects a commitment to assembling a balanced roster capable of both offensive firepower and pitching dominance. Trades, free-agent signings, and careful roster management have been prioritized to maximize depth and star power. With Criswell moved, the team has cleared room for Peralta to take a leading role, signaling trust in him as the staff ace. His experience and consistency provide stability and a competitive edge as the Mets enter the 2026 season. The front office’s aggressive approach also sends a message to fans and players: the organization is determined to compete for a championship and is willing to make swift moves to improve. The combination of established stars and roster flexibility will be key to sustaining success throughout the season. New York’s strategy hinges on balancing high-profile acquisitions with depth management, ensuring that the rotation and bullpen remain competitive while maximizing the impact of star players like Peralta.