Red Sox Re-Sign Cooper Criswell to Bolster 2026 Pitching Depth

After returning to the postseason in 2025, the Boston Red Sox are intent on building a roster capable of sustained success in 2026. With a powerful offense already in place, the club’s attention has shifted to one critical area — pitching consistency. Establishing a dependable rotation will be central to Boston’s chances of remaining among the American League’s top contenders.

In that pursuit, the Red Sox made an early move this offseason, signing right-hander Cooper Criswell to a major-league contract. The deal, reported by Robert Murray of FanSided, guarantees Criswell $800,000 — a modest but meaningful investment in a pitcher familiar with the organization.

Criswell’s experience with Boston over the past two seasons gives the team a versatile option who can contribute in multiple roles. His ability to start or pitch long relief offers the Red Sox flexibility as they manage workloads and evaluate their rotation during spring training.

While not a headline-grabbing signing, the move represents Boston’s broader strategy: investing in reliable, system-savvy arms who can fill valuable innings throughout a long season.

1. A Familiar Face with Reliable Versatility

Criswell’s tenure with the Red Sox has shown flashes of promise. Over two seasons, the 28-year-old has appeared in 45 games, including 21 starts, demonstrating adaptability and a steady presence when called upon. Though injuries have occasionally limited his availability, his performances have earned the trust of Boston’s coaching staff. In 2025, Criswell made only seven big-league appearances but performed effectively in limited action. He posted a 3.57 ERA with a 9/5 strikeout-to-walk ratio, underscoring his efficiency in tight spots. His lone start of the season — a seven-inning, one-run effort against the Houston Astros — hinted at his potential when fully healthy. At Triple-A Worcester, Criswell remained consistent, compiling a 3.70 ERA across 14 starts while maintaining solid control with a 68/28 K/BB ratio. These numbers reinforced his status as a dependable depth option rather than a frontline starter. With no minor-league options remaining, the Red Sox are expected to give Criswell a legitimate chance to earn a spot on the Opening Day roster — whether as a back-end starter, swingman, or bullpen arm capable of handling multi-inning stints.

2. The Red Sox’s Pitching Picture Heading Into 2026

While Boston’s lineup remains among the most balanced in the American League, pitching continues to be the team’s biggest question mark. The front office is expected to explore multiple avenues — free agency, trades, and internal development — to solidify the rotation. Garrett Crochet has emerged as the staff’s ace, and Bryan Bello continues to develop into a reliable starter, but the loss of Lucas Giolito, who opted out of his contract, leaves a void near the top of the rotation. Meanwhile, Walker Buehler’s struggles after joining the team last season highlight the risks of relying on short-term reclamation projects. Criswell’s return doesn’t solve those issues outright, but it helps address the team’s need for capable depth — a factor that often determines success over a grueling 162-game season. His familiarity with the coaching staff, teammates, and the organization’s pitching philosophy makes him a logical fit as Boston recalibrates its staff. If Criswell can stay healthy and replicate his best performances, he could prove to be an under-the-radar contributor who helps stabilize a staff in transition. For a team with postseason aspirations, reliability in the middle of the rotation or bullpen could be just as valuable as star power.

3. A Strategic Step Toward Sustained Success

The Red Sox’s decision to re-sign Criswell underscores their commitment to building continuity and depth rather than relying solely on marquee additions. For a franchise with high expectations, every roster spot matters — and players like Criswell provide the steady presence that championship-caliber teams depend on. Boston’s front office understands that sustainable success in today’s MLB landscape comes from blending top-end talent with consistent contributors who can fill multiple roles. Criswell’s adaptability and professionalism fit neatly within that framework. While fans may hope for a splashy signing to headline the offseason, moves like this often prove crucial over the long haul. A full, healthy season from Criswell could quietly strengthen Boston’s pitching depth and provide key innings when the schedule gets demanding. For now, the Red Sox have secured a familiar arm who knows their system and has shown the potential to contribute meaningfully. It’s a pragmatic, forward-thinking addition — one that could help Boston remain a steady force in the American League.