Jeff Criswell – Colorado Rockies Biography, Contract, Net Worth Information

Jeff Criswell has been making waves in professional baseball since the Oakland Athletics drafted him in the second round of the 2020 MLB Draft.

The right-handed pitcher from Portage, Michigan, stands at 6’4″ and weighs 225 pounds, which gives him a pretty intimidating presence on the mound.

He worked his way up through the minors and finally made his MLB debut on August 21, 2024.

Now, he’s with the Colorado Rockies.

Jeff Criswell signed a one-year contract worth $762,000 with the Colorado Rockies, and the full amount is guaranteed.

At 26, the University of Michigan product has built up a net worth of about $1,000,000 early in his career.

He’s currently on the 60-day injured list, but the Rockies see him as an interesting young arm for their future rotation.

Baseball insiders have watched Criswell develop since his days at Michigan.

His journey from the 58th overall pick in 2020 to a spot on a big league roster really shows his drive and progress through the farm system.

The rookie pitcher’s contract lines up with the standard salary for first-year MLB players.

Early Life and Education

Jeff Criswell’s path to professional baseball started with his family and educational background.

His academic and athletic experiences laid the groundwork for his athletic development.

Family Background

Jeff Criswell was born on March 10, 1999, into a family that valued both school and sports.

Even though he’s originally from Charlotte, North Carolina, he grew up surrounded by support for his early interest in baseball.

His parents noticed his athletic abilities early on and encouraged him to join local youth leagues.

That support at home played a huge role in shaping him as a player.

Criswell often says his dad helped him fall in love with baseball.

Those weekend practices with his father gave him the basic skills that later defined his pitching.

Academic Achievements

Criswell kept up solid grades while developing as an athlete.

He attended Northern Virginia Community College and Radford University, balancing schoolwork and baseball.

Before he went all-in on baseball, he finished his bachelor’s degree, showing he cared about education even as his baseball career took off.

Coaches often pointed out his analytical approach, which probably came from his academic habits.

Influence of University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center made an unexpected impact on Criswell.

During college, he joined a community service program there that paired athletes with young cancer patients.

This experience changed his perspective and taught him resilience and mental toughness—skills he would lean on in baseball.

Working with pediatric patients helped him mature and gave him a new outlook on handling challenges.

Professor James Wilson, a sports psychology instructor at the center, mentored Criswell during this time.

Their talks about mental preparation and focus shaped how he approached high-pressure situations on the mound.

Professional Football Career

Jeff Criswell built a twelve-season NFL career, mostly with the Indianapolis Colts and Kansas City Chiefs.

He became known as a dependable offensive lineman with a reputation for durability and solid technique.

NFL Draft and Appointment

The Indianapolis Colts picked Jeff Criswell in the fourth round of the 1987 NFL Draft.

He stood at 6’4″ and weighed over 300 pounds—ideal for an offensive lineman.

Scouts liked what they saw from him at the University of Nebraska, especially his strength and footwork.

The Colts saw his potential and put him on their offensive line right away.

He faced the usual rookie challenges but quickly adjusted to the NFL’s speed and complexity.

Midway through his first season, Criswell earned a spot in the starting lineup.

He showed poise for a rookie and used his technical skills and work ethic to hold onto his position.

He spent his early years with the Colts growing into a reliable lineman.

Career with the Cardinals

After a few seasons with the Colts, Criswell moved to the Kansas City Chiefs.

He hit his stride there and became a consistent presence on the offensive line.

Criswell started his time with the Cardinals in the early 1990s.

He quickly became a key part of their offensive scheme, protecting quarterbacks and opening up running lanes.

He rarely missed games, showing impressive durability for such a tough position.

During his Cardinals years, Criswell earned respect for his technique and leadership.

Teammates appreciated his professionalism, and coaches counted on his steady performance.

He adapted to different offensive schemes, making him a versatile asset for the team.

Playoffs and Postseason Highlights

Over his twelve NFL seasons, Criswell played in several playoff campaigns.

He delivered in high-stakes games, helping his teams push through tough matchups.

His biggest postseason moments came during the Chiefs’ playoff runs in the 1990s.

He held his own against top defensive linemen and provided reliable pass protection when it mattered most.

One standout performance came in the 1993 playoffs, where his blocking played a big role in a key victory.

While he never made it to a Super Bowl, Criswell consistently stepped up in the postseason.

Coaches often praised his preparation and execution under playoff pressure.

Contracts and Legal Matters

Jeff Criswell’s baseball career includes several contracts that define his relationships with MLB teams.

His contract history shows the usual path for a developing pitcher in the league.

Initial Contract Negotiations

Criswell started his MLB contract journey after the Oakland Athletics picked him in the 2020 MLB Draft.

As a second-round pick (58th overall) from Michigan, he entered the pro ranks with high expectations.

His first minor league contract had standard terms for young pitchers, with salary bumps as he moved up the system.

After working through Oakland’s farm teams, Criswell landed with the Colorado Rockies.

In 2024, he signed a 1-year, $762,000 contract with the Rockies, with the full amount guaranteed.

That’s the MLB minimum for a player at his service time—pretty standard for someone in his shoes.

Notable Contract Disputes

Criswell’s contract history has been pretty straightforward.

He hasn’t been involved in any major disputes or messy negotiations.

His moves between teams followed the usual MLB transaction rules.

When he switched from Oakland to Colorado, the contract transfer went smoothly.

His agents focused on getting fair pay based on his development and potential.

That approach helped him avoid the legal headaches some players face.

Criswell’s contracts reflect his status as an early-career player who isn’t yet eligible for arbitration or free agency.

Breach of Contract and Summary Judgment

Criswell has never faced breach of contract claims from teams, nor has he brought any himself.

His agreements have gone by the book, and both sides have stuck to the terms.

You won’t find any summary judgment cases in his record.

He sticks to the conduct and performance standards in his contracts, so there’s been no need for legal disputes.

His current net worth of about $1,000,000 shows the value of honoring contracts and managing finances well.

Rules of Law and Public Policy Considerations

MLB contracts operate under a web of league rules, collective bargaining, and labor laws.

Criswell’s deals follow all the standard requirements, including minimum salaries and player protections.

Some key public policy points in MLB contracts include:

• Service time rules for player advancement
• Arbitration eligibility for salary negotiations
• Free agency qualifications for player movement
• Injury protections for rehab and recovery

For players like Criswell, these rules shape their earnings and career path.

The league’s structure rewards performance and time served, so his contract situation will change as he gains experience.

Financial Standing and Net Worth

Jeff Criswell’s financial picture reflects his earnings from pro baseball, with an estimated net worth that fits his place in the sport.

His main income comes from his MLB contract, along with typical sports-related expenses.

Career Earnings and Assets

Criswell, now pitching for the Rockies, has a net worth around $1,000,000.

His biggest income source is his baseball salary.

He signed a one-year, $762,000 deal with Colorado, which makes up most of his current earnings.

As a newer MLB player, his financial portfolio is still pretty basic.

Born March 10, 1999, in Portage, Michigan, he was picked 58th overall in the 2020 MLB Draft by Oakland before joining the Rockies.

He probably holds investments typical for pro athletes at this career stage, but details about his personal holdings aren’t public.

Attorney Fees and Bankruptcy Law

Like most pro athletes, Criswell works with lawyers for contract talks, endorsements, and financial planning.

While we don’t know his exact attorney fees, MLB players usually pay agents 3-5% of their contracts.

Players at Criswell’s level often hire financial advisors to avoid the money troubles that have hurt some athletes.

MLB’s collective bargaining agreement gives players access to benefits and pension plans for life after baseball.

The MLB Players Association also offers resources to help players steer clear of bankruptcy.

With smart money management, Criswell’s salary gives him a solid financial foundation as his career continues.

Personal Life and Advocacy

Off the field, Jeff Criswell puts time and energy into causes that matter to him and his community.

He’s involved in health initiatives and local projects that reflect his values.

Cancer Prevention Efforts

Since 2022, Criswell has gotten more active in cancer prevention awareness.

After his uncle was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer, he teamed up with the American Cancer Society to promote early screening in Colorado.

His annual “Strike Out Cancer” event has raised over $75,000 for research and patient support.

“Early detection saved my uncle’s life,” Criswell said at a fundraising event.

“If I can help even one person get screened earlier, it’s worth every effort.”

He also visits children’s hospitals around Denver, spending time with young cancer patients.

These visits usually fly under the radar—teammates say Criswell likes to keep those moments private.

Community Involvement

Criswell really gets involved in more than just health projects—he cares about education and youth development, too.

He started a baseball clinic for underprivileged kids in Denver. The clinic gives free training, equipment, and mentorship.

The “Pitch Perfect” reading program he kicked off in local elementary schools has already reached over 3,000 students.

The program uses baseball-themed challenges and rewards to get kids excited about reading. Some of the prizes include game tickets and even signed gear.

Criswell sits on the advisory board for a local food bank, and you’ll often find him volunteering there every few months.

He’s talked openly about his own struggles with money earlier in his career, saying that’s what drives his passion for fighting food insecurity.

When the season ends, he heads back to his hometown to roll up his sleeves and help out with community service projects.