Cardinals Claim RHP Zak Kent Off Waivers, Designate Bryan Ramos
- Louis Cardinals have reacquired right-handed pitcher Zak Kent, claiming him off waivers from the Texas Rangers on Monday, February 16, 2026.
- This marks a swift reunion for Kent and the Cardinals organization.
- Kent, 27, made his Major League debut with the Guardians in 2025, appearing in 12 games and posting a 1-0 record with a 4.58 ERA and 16 strikeouts...
The St. Louis Cardinals have reacquired right-handed pitcher Zak Kent, claiming him off waivers from the Texas Rangers on . To make room for Kent on their 40-man roster, the Cardinals designated infielder Bryan Ramos for assignment.
This marks a swift reunion for Kent and the Cardinals organization. St. Louis initially claimed Kent off waivers from the Cleveland Guardians on , but then lost him to the Rangers via a waiver claim on . The Rangers designated Kent for assignment last week to create roster space for left-hander Jordan Montgomery, opening the door for his return to St. Louis.
Kent, 27, made his Major League debut with the Guardians in , appearing in 12 games and posting a 1-0 record with a 4.58 ERA and 16 strikeouts across 17.2 innings pitched. His first Major League win came against the Rangers themselves, a 9-8 victory at Progressive Field on .
Prior to his time in the majors, Kent spent six seasons in the minor leagues, compiling a 13-16 record with a 4.38 ERA and 369 strikeouts in 117 appearances (63 starts). He was originally drafted by the Rangers in the 2019 Major League Baseball Draft, selected as the 265th overall pick out of Virginia Military Institute (VMI). He spent the entire 2024 Spring Training season with Texas before being traded to Cleveland on .
In , Kent transitioned to a relief role with the Triple-A Columbus Clippers, where he recorded a 2-3 record with a 2.84 ERA and two saves in 34 appearances. He showcased his ability to limit home runs, allowing only one to 76 batters faced in the Major Leagues, and effectively neutralized right-handed hitters, holding them to a .552 OPS.
The Cardinals’ acquisition of Kent underscores their commitment to bolstering their pitching staff during the offseason. The team finished the season with a 78-84 record, missing the playoffs. They’ve already added left-handed pitcher Dustin May, formerly of the Boston Red Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers, in mid-December. The team is actively exploring options through trades, free agency, and player development to improve their pitching depth.
Kent offers a three-pitch mix, utilizing a slider, curveball, and a cutter/fastball combination. His ability to command these pitches and limit hard contact will be key as he attempts to secure a role in the Cardinals’ bullpen. The move to designate Bryan Ramos for assignment suggests the Cardinals are prioritizing pitching depth at this stage of the offseason.
The Rangers, meanwhile, had added Kent to their 40-man roster after claiming him from the Cardinals, bringing their total to 40 players. The designation of Kent for assignment came after securing Montgomery, indicating a strategic shift in their roster construction. The Rangers finished with an 81-81 record, also falling short of a playoff berth.
Within the Cardinals organization, young pitcher Matthew Liberatore has expressed his desire to be the team’s Opening Day starter, adding another layer of competition to the pitching rotation. The addition of Kent provides manager Oliver Marmol with another arm to consider as he shapes his pitching staff for the upcoming season.
Kent’s journey through multiple organizations highlights the fluidity of player movement in Major League Baseball. His ability to adapt to different systems and consistently perform at both the minor league and major league levels demonstrates his resilience and dedication to the game. His return to St. Louis offers him a fresh opportunity to contribute to a team actively seeking to improve its pitching performance.