The St. Louis Cardinals have designated right-handed pitcher Zak Kent for assignment, a move that creates an opening on their 40-man roster for infielder Ramon Urias, who recently signed a one-year contract. Kent, who was claimed off waivers from the Texas Rangers earlier this week, has seen a rapid series of transactions during the offseason.
Kent’s Recent Transactions and Team Movements
This offseason has been notably turbulent for Zak Kent, with multiple roster moves impacting his status. Initially claimed from the Cleveland Guardians by the Cardinals in December, Kent lost his roster spot after the team acquired left-hander Justin Bruihl. The Rangers then claimed him but removed him again upon signing left-handed pitcher Jordan Montgomery. Kent’s latest tenure with St. Louis lasted only five days before this latest designation.
Pitching Performance and Strengths
During his rookie season with Cleveland, the 27-year-old pitcher posted a 4.58 ERA across 17 2/3 innings pitched. He utilized a three-pitch mix featuring a four-seam fastball, slider, and curveball, each accounting for at least 25% of his pitches. His slider, which made up nearly 40% of his deliveries, proved particularly effective by limiting opponents to a .138 batting average and generating the most swings and misses.
Minor League Success and Potential
Kent’s strong performance in Triple-A likely fuels interest from teams despite his major league struggles. Over 122 2/3 innings at the Triple-A level, he maintains a career ERA of 3.74. Notably, he posted consecutive seasons with strikeouts per nine innings (K/9) exceeding 11 while with the Columbus Clippers. In 2025, Kent recorded a sub-3.00 ERA and a 31.4% strikeout rate in 34 outings, underscoring his potential as a valuable bullpen arm.
What This Means for the Cardinals and Future Outlook
Designating Zak Kent allows the Cardinals to accommodate Ramon Urias on the roster, reinforcing their infield options. Meanwhile, Kent’s frequent movements highlight the competitive nature of bullpen roles around the league. His Triple-A track record suggests he remains a candidate for teams seeking pitching depth, depending on how the offseason unfolds for all parties involved.
