Texas Rangers Claim RHP Zak Kent Off Waivers from Cardinals

The Texas Rangers added right-handed pitcher Zak Kent to their 40-man roster Friday, claiming him off waivers from the St. Louis Cardinals, according to the team’s official announcement. Kent, who had been acquired by St. Louis from the Cleveland Guardians in December, will now join a Rangers roster looking to strengthen its pitching staff after a .500 finish in 2025.

Kent, 27, appeared in 12 major league games last season, posting a 1-0 record with 16 strikeouts and a 4.58 ERA. While he has shown flashes at the MLB level, much of his experience comes from six minor league seasons, where he recorded a 13-16 record, a 4.38 ERA, and 369 strikeouts. The Rangers are betting on his upside and versatility as a multi-pitch right-handed arm.

A native of Henrico, Virginia, Kent first made a name for himself in high school at Northumberland High, where he helped lead his team to a 1A state championship in 2014 while posting a 1.96 ERA and hitting .315. He later spent three seasons pitching at Virginia Military Institute (VMI), developing into a professional prospect with strikeout ability and a diverse pitch mix.

Kent was originally drafted in 2019 by the Rangers as the 265th overall pick, and he earned his first major league win against his former organization, the Rangers, while pitching for Cleveland on September 28. Now, he returns to Texas with a chance to contribute at the major league level.

1. Major League and Minor League Experience

Kent’s major league experience is limited but notable. In 12 appearances with the Guardians in 2025, he maintained a 4.58 ERA while striking out 16 batters, showing flashes of command and strikeout ability. While these numbers are modest, they reflect the potential for development as he gains more consistent innings. His minor league career provides a fuller picture of his capabilities. Over six seasons, Kent pitched in more than 200 games, accumulating 369 strikeouts with a 4.38 ERA. His experience across multiple levels of competition suggests he can handle adjustment periods while refining his secondary pitches. Kent’s pitching arsenal includes a slider, curveball, and a cutter/fastball combination, giving him the ability to keep hitters off balance. This multi-pitch approach makes him a versatile option in relief roles or spot starts, particularly for a Rangers bullpen that could benefit from depth. The Rangers’ coaching staff will likely focus on leveraging Kent’s strengths while smoothing out inconsistencies in his delivery and command, aiming to maximize his potential over the 2026 season.

2. St. Louis’ Roster Moves and Rebuilding Strategy

The Cardinals’ loss of Kent is part of a broader roster reshaping as St. Louis enters a rebuild following a 78-84 season that kept them out of the playoffs. During the offseason, the team has been active, acquiring left-handed pitcher Dustin May and evaluating younger arms such as Matthew Liberatore, who has expressed confidence in competing for a starting role on Opening Day. St. Louis’ focus has been on balancing veteran acquisitions with development of homegrown talent. The decision to expose Kent to waivers suggests the Cardinals prioritized other arms in their rotation and bullpen, while still pursuing trades and free-agent signings to strengthen the pitching staff. While Kent’s tenure in St. Louis was brief, it highlights the competitive nature of roster management, where opportunities are limited and players with upside can quickly change organizations. The Cardinals will now continue to focus on developing remaining young pitchers and creating flexibility for additional moves. Kent’s departure is less a reflection on his talent and more an indication of roster constraints during a transitional phase for St. Louis’ pitching staff.

3. Opportunities with the Rangers

For the Rangers, Kent represents a low-risk, potentially high-reward addition. With Texas finishing 81-81 in 2025 and failing to reach the playoffs, pitching depth will be crucial to any improvement next season. Kent’s age, major league experience, and diverse arsenal provide a foundation for the Rangers to develop him into a reliable bullpen or spot-start option. The Rangers now have a full 40-man roster, giving Kent the chance to compete for innings in spring training and earn a defined role. His prior experience with the organization, having been drafted by Texas, could help him acclimate quickly. Kent’s versatility—capable of throwing a variety of pitches in multiple innings—adds strategic flexibility for the Rangers’ pitching staff. Whether in relief situations or as a long-relief option, he could play a significant role in keeping the team competitive over the course of the season. As he returns to the organization that first drafted him, Kent has a chance to prove that he belongs at the major league level while contributing to a Rangers team aiming to regain playoff contention.