Cooper Criswell is a Major League Baseball pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. He was born on July 24, 1996. Criswell grew up in Carrollton, Georgia, and attended Carrollton High School.
Criswell began his college baseball career at Southern Union State Community College. As a sophomore, he was 10-1 with a 2.54 ERA and committed to the University of North Carolina to continue his education. In his only season with the Tar Heels, Criswell was 6-2 with a 2.99 ERA and 86 strikeouts in 75+13 innings.
Criswell was drafted in the 13th round of the 2018 Major League Baseball draft by the Los Angeles Angels. He began his professional career the following year with the Inland Empire 66ers of the Class A-Advanced California League.
Criswell was assigned to the Double-A Rocket City Trash Pandas at the beginning of the 2021 minor league season. Criswell made 12 starts for Double-A Rocket City, going 6-4 with a 3.71 ERA and 85 strikeouts.
On July 31, Criswell was promoted to the Triple-A Salt Lake Bees. After going 2-1 with a 3.98 ERA and 27 strikeouts through four starts, on August 27, the Angels selected Criswell’s contract.
He made his debut the same night, giving up three runs in 1.1 innings pitched. He was optioned back to Salt Lake the next day. On April 7, 2022, Criswell was placed on the 10-day injured list with a right shoulder strain and was moved to the 60-day injured list the next day to make room on the 40-man roster for Kyle Tyler.
Cooper Criswell signed a 1 year / $710,000 contract with the Los Angeles Angels, including $710,000 guaranteed, and an annual average salary of $710,000. In 2022, Criswell will earn a base salary of $710,000, while carrying a total salary of $710,000.