Cooper Criswell is carving out a spot in Major League Baseball as a promising pitcher for the Boston Red Sox. For the 2025 season, Criswell landed a one-year, $1 million contract with the Red Sox, which really shows the team believes in what he brings to the table (https://beyondthemonster.substack.com/p/red-sox-agree-with-23-players-on).
His journey from college standout to pro athlete hasn’t exactly been overnight. It’s been all about steady progress and a lot of determination.
Fans and analysts have been watching Criswell for his versatility on the mound. He keeps developing as a reliable arm, and with his current contract, his net worth is now estimated at over $500,000—a nice bump as he racks up more MLB experience (https://salarysport.com/baseball/player/cooper-criswell/).
Criswell’s teammates often talk about his focused work ethic and his team-first attitude. A coach once said, “Cooper brings a quiet confidence to every game. He’s always prepared and ready to compete.”
Early Life and Education
Cooper Criswell is an American professional baseball pitcher who’s built his career on talent and a lot of hard work. He grew up in the southern United States and went to college before breaking into the major leagues.
Hometown and Family
Criswell was born July 24, 1996, in Carrolton, Georgia. Growing up in a small city gave him a real sense of community and a love for sports.
Carrolton sits in the southeastern U.S. and is known for rallying behind its local teams.
His family supported him from the start, really encouraging his interest in baseball. They showed up for his early games and played a big part in his development.
Even though his career eventually took him away from Georgia, those early days in Carrolton set the stage for his athletic journey.
Academic Background
Before he turned pro, Criswell attended the University of North Carolina—a school with a reputation for strong athletics. As a student-athlete, he balanced classes with the demands of Division I baseball.
UNC gave him the right environment to grow his skills. During his college years, he played for the North Carolina Tar Heels, facing tough competition and learning from experienced coaches.
He didn’t attend university in Illinois or Connecticut, and there’s no record of him working as a professor. College was a key time for Criswell, and it’s where he really started laying the groundwork for his future in Major League Baseball.
Professional Baseball Career
Cooper Criswell is an American pitcher who’s moved steadily through the minor and major leagues. He’s played for teams like the Boston Red Sox and is known for his right-handed pitching and consistency.
Draft and Entry Into MLB
The Los Angeles Angels picked Cooper Criswell in the 13th round of the 2018 MLB Draft, 391st overall. That moment kicked off his professional journey.
Before the draft, he played college ball and built a reputation for command and control. Afterward, he worked his way up through the minors.
Coaches and scouts noticed his reliability and work ethic. He moved through several minor league affiliates, earning promotions with his performance.
When he made his MLB debut, it was a big deal. Criswell proved that even late-round draft picks can make it to the top if they keep grinding and developing their skills.
Major League Teams and Key Performances
Criswell started his MLB career with the Los Angeles Angels, pitching in a handful of big-league games. His time with the Angels included a mix of spot starts and relief outings while he adjusted to higher-level hitters.
He later joined the Boston Red Sox, signing a one-year deal worth $1,000,000. That move showed the team trusted him and wanted to give him more chances at the major league level. For more details on his contract, check out this breakdown.
Criswell’s key performances usually involved delivering quality innings and keeping games close. He might not have the hype of pitchers like Yoshinobu Yamamoto or Lucas Giolito, but his steady outings earned him a regular role.
Analysis of Playing Style
Criswell throws right-handed and relies on command and control, not just raw power. He mixes up his pitches—fastball, changeup, and slider.
His fastball usually sits in the low 90s, but his real strength is hitting his spots and changing speeds. Coaches and teammates appreciate how he keeps hitters off balance and limits hard contact.
He stays calm under pressure and doesn’t walk many batters. While he’s not a big strikeout guy, he gets ground balls and keeps his team in games.
Strengths:
- Great command
- Limits walks
- Smart pitch sequencing
Areas for Improvement:
- Needs a more effective out-pitch
- Could get better at adjusting to hitters after a few innings
Criswell isn’t a flashy free agent, but he brings solid value at the back of a rotation or in long relief. He’s respected by teammates and coaches for his fundamentals and coachability.
Recent Seasons and Notable Moments
Criswell’s performance in the new year showed some growth and, sure, a few challenges on the mound. His offseason choices and contract situation got plenty of attention as free agency rolled around.
2024 Season Overview
In 2024, Criswell spent most of his time in the majors, working on his control and efficiency. He pitched as both a starter and a reliever, which gave his team some nice flexibility.
His pitch mix included fastballs, sliders, and off-speed stuff. Statistically, he put up some quality starts and looked more confident against tough lineups.
He cut down on walks and got better at getting ahead in counts. Coaches liked his work ethic. One said, “He brings steady focus, even in high-pressure moments.”
He stayed healthy, which let him make plenty of appearances and lock down his role as a dependable option on the staff.
Offseason Moves and Free Agency
When the offseason hit, Criswell’s contract and free agency status drew some buzz from analysts and fans. His previous salary was $710,000 per year, which reflected his value as a contributor.
Teams in need of reliable depth kept an eye on him. Negotiations focused on his consistency and versatility.
Criswell’s agents pointed out his healthy track record and adaptability, making him an interesting option in free agency. He stayed involved in team training and kept working on his pitching while exploring new deals.
His offseason decisions felt like a big step as clubs figured out their needs for the next season.
Contract Details and Earnings
Criswell’s contracts tell the story of his climb through professional baseball. As he moved from minor league deals to MLB contracts, his earnings rose and became more stable.
Current Contract Structure
In December 2023, Criswell signed a one-year deal with the Boston Red Sox for $1 million for the 2024 season. That matches his previous year’s salary.
The contract is pretty straightforward—no signing bonuses, no performance incentives, just guaranteed base pay. He gets the full amount whether or not he stays on the roster all year.
He’s still pre-arbitration eligible, so future salaries will come from team negotiations or, if needed, salary arbitration.
There’s no indemnity agreement or fancy clauses here, which is typical for players at his stage. For more details, see the Baseball Prospectus player card or Beyond the Monster report.
Career Salary Progression
Criswell’s salary growth tracks with his progress through the minors and majors. Early on, he played for standard minor league pay, which is a whole lot less than MLB money.
His first major league contract came with the Tampa Bay Rays, then later the Red Sox.
Here’s a quick look at his earnings since 2022:
Year | Team | Salary |
---|---|---|
2022 | Angels/Rays | Minor league pay |
2023 | Rays | $710,000 |
2024 | Red Sox | $1,000,000 |
2025 | Red Sox | $1,000,000 |
Criswell’s total MLB earnings have topped $2 million, not counting minor league pay. He hasn’t signed any deals with big bonuses or unusual payment structures.
Each step up has meant more trust from teams and better bargaining power as he gains experience. For more numbers, check SalarySport.
Net Worth and Financial Insights
Criswell’s earnings reflect where he stands in the MLB—a developing player with a growing profile. His finances include salary, contracts, and a little extra from off-the-field stuff.
Primary Income Sources
Almost all of Criswell’s money comes from playing baseball. In December 2023, the Red Sox gave him a one-year, $1 million contract.
Earlier on, his paychecks were smaller as he worked his way up from the minors. His annual salary has grown with each move.
MLB contracts usually don’t have performance bonds, but once you’re on the roster, your salary is guaranteed. Players can get bonuses for things like innings pitched, but Criswell’s deals have mostly been straightforward.
Being with the Red Sox boosts his profile, which could mean better deals down the road. That’s something most players hope for as their careers take off.
Endorsements and Investments
Right now, endorsements aren’t a big part of Criswell’s income. He hasn’t been linked to major brands like some bigger names.
He might have a few local endorsements or make appearances in cities where he’s played, but nothing huge. Investment opportunities usually come later, once a player’s reputation grows.
It’s not public knowledge if he’s put money into business ventures or real estate, though that’s common for MLB players. Some use their earnings to buy training gear or health equipment, hoping to stay competitive and secure their future.
Estimated Net Worth
Criswell’s net worth is estimated at about $528,220 as of 2024, before his most recent contract. The new deal with Boston bumps that up by another million.
Here’s a simple breakdown:
Income Source | Estimated Value |
---|---|
MLB Salaries | $1,200,000+ |
Minor League Earnings | Under $100,000 |
Endorsements | Minimal |
Investments | Unknown |
Most of his wealth comes from his MLB contracts. If he keeps performing and lands longer-term deals, his net worth should keep climbing.
Personal Life and Community Involvement
Cooper Criswell has made an impact both on and off the field. His life outside baseball highlights his dedication to his family and his engagement with community and charitable organizations.
Family Life
Criswell grew up in Carrollton, Georgia, and he really values his close relationship with his family.
He credits his supportive household as a big reason for his success in baseball.
Whenever he gets some time off, he heads back to his hometown and likes to show up at local events.
You’ll often spot his family cheering him on from the stands.
Criswell talks about his parents and siblings with genuine affection, saying they taught him to work hard and stay humble.
He’s mentioned in interviews that these family values stick with him throughout his career.
Even though he keeps most details about his family private, their steady support clearly shapes how he approaches life and responsibility.
Charity Work and Public Policy
Cooper Criswell has backed youth sports programs in Georgia. He encourages kids to chase their dreams, whether in the classroom or on the field.
He shows up at baseball clinics, spending time with young athletes who look up to him. You can tell he genuinely enjoys sharing his skills and stories.
In 2023, he joined local nonprofits at events like school supply drives and holiday gift donations. He rolls up his sleeves, helps hand out supplies, and chats with families who could use the boost.
Criswell also sits in on meetings with county commissioners to figure out how local policy shapes recreation and sports funding. He doesn’t hold any official public policy titles or act as a guardian ad litem, but he cares about fair play and open access for every kid in sports.
He’s convinced that positive community engagement gives something back—not just to the players, but to the whole neighborhood.
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