Cards Claim Zak Kent Off Waivers

The St. Louis Cardinals have claimed Zak Kent off waivers from the Texas Rangers, adding another right-handed arm to the mix as camp battles start to sort themselves out. Kent, 26, has been more of a depth and development piece to this point, bouncing between Double-A and Triple-A in the Rangers’ system. He’s shown the ability to miss bats at times, but command and consistency have been the separator between prospect and projection.

At 6'3" with a starter’s build, Kent has worked primarily as a starter in the minors, though a bullpen conversion isn’t out of the question depending on how things shake out. This is the kind of move clubs make quietly in February—low risk, upside play, and organizational depth in a long season where arms inevitably get tested.

To make room, 3B Bryan Ramos has been designated for assignment. Ramos was viewed as a young infield bat with some upside, but roster math is real. With limited flexibility on the 40-man, somebody always pays the price when pitching depth is prioritized.

Bottom line? This is a depth play. If Kent finds a little consistency, it’s a savvy pickup. If not, it cost little more than a waiver claim. That’s how smart front offices churn the back end of a roster heading into Opening Day.