The Texas Rangers are shaking up their pitching staff as they continue to fine-tune their roster heading into the new season. Roster moves in Major League Baseball can often feel like a game of musical chairs, and for the Rangers, the latest shuffle involves both a familiar face and a new addition. Balancing the need for veteran experience with the development of younger talent is a constant challenge for front offices, and sometimes, even promising pitchers can find themselves on uncertain footing despite strong performances in the minors or flashes of success at the major league level. This is the story of one right-handed pitcher who has been a part of the Rangers’ system for several years, yet now faces yet another chapter of uncertainty in his professional career.
As teams look to solidify their 40-man roster ahead of the season, decisions like this highlight the fine margins between potential, opportunity, and organizational needs. The move also reflects the Rangers’ desire to bolster their bullpen depth with a different look on the mound, signaling a calculated approach to roster construction and future pitching strategy. For fans who follow the twists and turns of MLB transactions, it serves as a reminder of how quickly a player’s status can change, even for someone who has shown glimpses of promise at both the major and minor league levels.
The Rangers have officially designated right-hander Zak Kent for assignment, opening a spot on the 40-man roster for left-hander Jordan Montgomery, whose return to Texas on a one-year deal is now official. Kent, 27, is no stranger to the organization; Texas originally drafted him in the ninth round of 2019, and he pitched in their minor league system through 2023 before being traded to the Cleveland Guardians just ahead of the 2024 season. Kent made his major league debut with Cleveland in 2025, throwing 17 2/3 innings with a 4.58 ERA, a 21.1% strikeout rate, and a 10.5% walk rate, though he spent most of that season in Triple-A Columbus, where he posted a 2.84 ERA with an impressive 31.4% strikeout rate—tempered by a 13.2% walk rate. He primarily relied on a 93.1 mph four-seamer, complemented by an 85.7 mph slider and an 81.3 mph curveball.
Since the 2025 season, Kent has moved between organizations—from the Guardians to the St. Louis Cardinals, and then to the Rangers via waivers. Now, he is likely to face waivers again, though the team could explore trade options over the next five days. While Kent has used his three minor league options, he may still qualify for a rare fourth option year, granted in special circumstances such as injuries or early option exhaustion, giving him a potential lifeline to continue his professional journey.
