The Texas Rangers have claimed pitcher Zak Kent on waivers, the team announced today. The 40 man roster is now full with this move.
This brings things full circle for Kent, who the Rangers drafted in the 9th
round in 2019 out of VMI. He was designated for assignment in spring training, 2024, and was purchased from the Rangers by Cleveland. Cleveland waived Kent in early December, and he was claimed at that point by the St. Louis Cardinals. The Cardinals waived him earlier this week, and the Rangers had the prevailing claim.
Kent has struggled to stay off the injured list, and moved to a relief role in 2025. Kent made his major league debut last year, putting up a 4.58 ERA in 17.2 innings over 12 appearances. He had a 2.84 ERA in 38 innings over 34 appearances in AAA, with 50 Ks against 21 walks. Kent has one option remaining.
The Rangers’ 40 man roster is full, but Chris Young indicated today that the team is still looking to make moves, with improving their starting pitching depth being a priority. As such, I would imagine that there will be additional players acquired that will need 40 man roster spots. Kent is one of the guys who would seem to be on the 40 man bubble, so he could end up on the waiver wire again in the next couple of months.
