One day after bringing in veteran right-hander Dane Dunning on a minor league deal, the Seattle Mariners have brought in another veteran righty - this time acquiring Cooper Criswell in a minor trade with the New York Mets.

ESPN's Jorge Castillo had the information on social media. At this time, the return for the Mets has not been announced, but it can't be much given that Criswell was just designated for assignment. (UPDATE: Cash considerations, per Adam Jude of the Seattle Times). Jonathan Diaz has been designated for assignment, per the Mariners.

Now 29 years old, Criswell was a 13th round pick of the Los Angeles Angels in the 2018 MLB Draft out of North Carolina. He made his major league debut with LA in 2021 and then appeared in games in 2022 and 2023 with the Tampa Bay Rays. He pitched most prominently with the Boston Red Sox in 2024, tossing 99.1 innings and going 6-5 with a 4.08 ERA in 26 appearances (18 starts).

I feel the same way about him as I did about Dunning. On the surface, Criswell looks like he's going to battle to be minor league depth for the starting rotation. Emerson Hancock, Logan Evans, Dunning and Criswell all fit the same box in that regard.

However, if the team wants to move Hancock to the bullpen full-time, then every one would slide up a spot on the depth chart. Hancock ended the 2025 season in that role and could stick there in 2026 if the organization wants another possible power arm with some length in the group.

Remember, the Mariners are sending several relievers to the World Baseball Classic, so there will be a need to cover innings in spring training. Matt Brash and Gabe Speier are already committed to pitch in the event, and Eduard Bazardo and Andres Munoz are expected to compete. That leaves the M's several arms short, so there is ample opportunity for these pitchers to show what they can do, while also helping the Mariners.

Even if they don't end up sticking with the M's, they will have put several appearances on tape for other organizations. 

--The most recent edition of the 'Refuse to Lose' podcast is out. We were joined by prospect guru Joe Doyle of Overslot Baseball to talk about the team's poor showing in the latest Baseball America prospect rankings and much more, including the candidacy of Felix Hernandez for the Hall of Fame. LISTEN HERE:

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