The Cardinals' New Addition: Zak Kent and the Rule 5 Draft
The St. Louis Cardinals have made a strategic move to bolster their bullpen and create competition within their starting staff. They've claimed right-handed reliever Zak Kent off waivers, adding him to their 40-player roster. This move comes as the team aims to fully participate in the upcoming Rule 5 Draft at the MLB Winter Meetings in Orlando.
Kent, a 27-year-old pitcher, made his MLB debut with the Guardians in 2025 after a six-season journey through the Minor Leagues. Standing at 6 feet 3 inches, he primarily pitched as a reliever (12 games) but also had experience as a starter (63 starts).
The Cardinals' interest in Kent is notable, given their recent trades and potential future moves. They've already traded veteran right-hander Sonny Gray and are fielding offers for JoJo Romero, a left-handed reliever who saved eight games in nine chances and boasts a 2.07 ERA over 65 appearances. Romero is eligible for salary arbitration this winter and will become a free agent after the 2026 season.
Kent's addition provides insurance for the Cardinals, who are looking to strengthen their bullpen. He joins a group of spring training competitors, including Richard Fitts, Gordon Graceffo, Andre Granillo, Nick Raquet, and Chris Roycroft, vying for a spot in the Cardinals' bullpen in 2026. This competition is expected to be fierce, with Kent's high spin rates on breaking balls and a 92.8 mph average fastball velocity.
The Cardinals' new front office, led by assistant general manager Rob Cerfolio and director of player development Larry Day, both hired by Chaim Bloom, may have played a role in this acquisition. Cerfolio's previous experience with the Guardians and Day's time at Cleveland could have influenced the decision.
Despite his success with the Guardians, Kent is still eligible for a fourth option year. He had a 1-0 record with a 4.58 ERA in 17 2/3 innings and pitched a career-high three innings in his MLB debut. His only MLB win came against the Rangers, the team that drafted him in the ninth round of the 2019 MLB Draft before trading him to Cleveland.
In 2025, Kent relied heavily on his slider, throwing it 39 percent of the time and holding the opposition to a .138 batting average with eight strikeouts, according to Baseball Savant. His high spin rates and fastball velocity make him a valuable asset, even if his overall performance might not rank highly in the MLB.
The Cardinals' move to add Kent to their roster is a strategic one, ensuring they can fully participate in the Rule 5 Draft and potentially gain an edge in the upcoming season.
