Cooper Criswell Embraces Versatility on the Mound for Mariners

Cooper Criswell’s adaptability on the mound is a breath of fresh air for the Seattle Mariners. Whether as a starter, reliever, or long man, the 29-year-old right-hander is ready to embrace whatever role the team needs. With a gentle Georgia accent and a towering presence at 6’6″, Criswell is a unique figure in the clubhouse, yet his humble approach to the game sets him apart.

“My dad was a basketball coach for 30-plus years, and he always told his teams, every guy on a team has a role, and you need to know your role,” Criswell shared. “So for the past several years, that’s been my role, and I love doing it. Any way you can go out there and help the team win.”

Despite his height, Criswell’s pitching style isn’t about overpowering batters with blazing speed. His strongest pitch, a sinker, reached 92.5 mph during his recent three-inning outing. Instead, he relies on a diverse four-pitch arsenal, including a cutter, a changeup, and a sweeper, delivered from a low, almost sidearm slot. This unconventional arm angle adds another layer of difficulty for opposing hitters.

“Me and my older brother growing up, like everyone in the front yard, did the Derek Jeter sidearm throw from shortstop,” Criswell recalled with a smile. “And it’s kind of naturally been that way since high school. Maybe it’s crept a little lower over time.”

The Mariners saw potential in Criswell when they acquired him from the Mets, who had designated him for assignment shortly after bringing him on board. Criswell expressed gratitude for landing with Seattle, an organization he has heard positive things about both in terms of its pitching development and its team culture. “Where the game’s going right now, I feel like velo’s talked about a ton, and that hasn’t even been mentioned to me yet,” he noted. “So that’s kind of refreshing.”

In his recent outing against the Giants, Criswell showcased his skills, accumulating seven strikeouts across three innings while allowing just two hits. One of those hits was a well-placed single by Matt Chapman, who capitalized on a first-pitch sinker that caught too much of the plate. The other hit came from Will Brennan, who found a gap on a cutter that Leo Rivas couldn’t handle. On average, hitters faced with Criswell’s pitches recorded an exit velocity of only 81.6 mph.

“That’s kind of my aim, just throw any pitch in any count, to keep the hitters off balance so they can’t sit dead red on a fastball or something,” Criswell explained, emphasizing his strategic approach to pitching.

A prime example of his method was evident in the first inning of his last game. After giving up two singles, Criswell faced Casey Schmitt with one out and two runners on base. He began with a sinker that Schmitt fouled off, then switched to a cutter that was too high. Finally, he threw a changeup that induced a soft grounder to Rivas for an inning-ending double play.

Criswell is keenly aware of the delicate balance he must maintain while pitching. He understands that if his cutter or sinker finds the zone during hitters’ counts, they could be punished, as Chapman demonstrated. However, he has fully embraced the Mariners’ philosophy of pitching aggressively. He achieved nine first-pitch strikes out of eleven attempts in his last outing, a statistic that reflects his commitment to working ahead in the count. “They’re constantly telling everyone—not just me—you wouldn’t be here if your stuff’s not good enough. So trust it in the zone,” he said.

Looking ahead, Criswell plans to continue honing his skills as a starter this spring, believing it’s easier to transition to shorter outings than the other way around. Yet, he remains open to whatever the Mariners ask of him, keeping his father’s advice close to heart: “You don’t know what’s going to come, but you’re there for the team in any way you can be.”

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.