Cardinals Make Bold Move with Zak Kent
The Cardinals have made a bold move, claiming right-hander Zak Kent off waivers from the Guardians. With a pair of 40-man vacancies already filled, the team is now up to 39 players on the roster. This move is an interesting one, as Kent's performance at the MLB level has been underwhelming, to say the least.
Kent, who turned 28 in February, made his big league debut in Cleveland this past season. He pitched 17 2/3 innings out of the bullpen, yielding nine earned runs (4.58 ERA) with a 21.1% strikeout rate and 10.5% walk rate. His fastball averaged 92.6 mph on his four-seamer and 93.6 mph on a sinker, which he rarely used. Kent's breaking pitches include a mid-80s slider and a low-80s curveball, but his sub-par fastball velocity and poor command have impacted the quality of these pitches.
Despite his limited success at the MLB level, Kent had a strong showing in Triple-A last year, posting a sharp 2.84 ERA in 38 innings. However, command issues persisted, as evidenced by a 13.2% walk rate. Kent's ability to set down opponents on strikes is impressive, with over 31% of his opponents struck out. He has long been recognized for his plus breaking pitches, but his sub-par fastball and poor command have been a hindrance.
The Cardinals' decision to claim Kent is intriguing, given his status as a free agent and his limited minor league options. They cannot send him to Triple-A Memphis next season without passing him through waivers. While there's no guarantee he'll make it to spring training on the 40-man roster, Kent has an opportunity to compete for a job in a wide-open bullpen competition. With four spots available (or five if the Cardinals trade JoJo Romero), Kent's future with the team remains uncertain, but his potential is certainly worth exploring.
What do you think about the Cardinals' move? Will Kent be able to turn his fortunes around and secure a spot in the bullpen? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
