The St. Louis Cardinals are shaking things up! They've just added right-handed reliever Zak Kent to their roster, signaling a strategic move to bolster their pitching staff and prepare for the upcoming Rule 5 Draft. This addition is a clear sign that the Cardinals are eager to build a competitive team.
Kent, a 27-year-old pitcher, is now part of the Cardinals' 40-player roster. He made his MLB debut in 2025 with the Guardians after spending six seasons in the Minor Leagues. He pitched in 12 MLB games, all in relief, after being used mostly as a starter in the Minor Leagues.
This move brings the Cardinals' roster to 39 players, allowing them to fully participate in the Rule 5 Draft. The team has had success in the past with this draft, but they did not select a player in the 2024 process.
Why is this important? Kent's acquisition could serve as insurance for the Cardinals, especially considering they've already traded veteran right-hander Sonny Gray and are fielding offers for JoJo Romero. Romero, a lefty reliever, is eligible for salary arbitration this winter and will be a free agent after the 2026 season.
Kent is expected to compete in Spring Training for a bullpen spot. This competition will be crucial as the Cardinals look to solidify their pitching depth.
The addition of Kent is likely influenced by Cardinals' new leadership, including assistant general manager Rob Cerfolio and director of player development Larry Day, who previously worked with the Guardians.
In 2026, Kent was recalled seven times by the Guardians. He had a 4.58 ERA in 17 2/3 innings of work. His only MLB win came on September 28 against the Rangers, the team that originally drafted him.
Here's where it gets interesting: Kent is known for his high spin rates on his breaking balls, particularly his slider. He threw this pitch 39% of the time in 2025, holding opponents to a .138 batting average. His average fastball velocity is 92.8 mph, but he's only allowed one home run.
What do you think? Will Zak Kent be a valuable addition to the Cardinals' bullpen? Do you think the Cardinals are making the right moves to strengthen their team? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
