🚨 JUST IN: The Cardinals pry away a Guardians reliever before the Winter Meetings, forcing Cleveland to rethink its pitching blueprint fast ⚡.NL

Cardinals Claim Zak Kent Off Waivers, Guardians Clear Roster Space Ahead of Winter Meetings

The St. Louis Cardinals made a quiet but intriguing move earlier today, claiming right-handed reliever Zak Kent off waivers from the Cleveland Guardians. It’s not the blockbuster deal fans might be hoping for this offseason, but it’s the kind of roster shuffle that often signals something bigger brewing-especially with the Winter Meetings just around the corner.

For Cleveland, this was more about flexibility than the player itself. The Guardians now sit at 38 players on their 40-man roster, giving them the breathing room they’ll need if they’re planning to be active in the coming days. And based on how they’ve been managing their roster lately, it sure looks like they’re gearing up for something.

Zak Kent: A Depth Arm With Some Upside

Kent made his big-league debut earlier this year and showed flashes of promise in limited action. Over 17 2/3 innings out of the bullpen, he posted a 4.58 ERA-not eye-popping, but not disastrous either. He’s not a flamethrower-his fastball averaged just 92.6 mph-but he mixes in a slider and curveball that helped him keep hitters off balance.

One stat that jumps out: Kent didn’t allow a single barrel in his brief MLB stint, and his hard-hit rate sat at a respectable 29.4%. That’s a sign that while he may not overpower hitters, he does a decent job of avoiding loud contact.

On the flip side, the strikeout numbers were modest (21.1% K rate), and his command remains a work in progress. He walked 10.5% of batters in the majors and 12.2% in Triple-A, which is a red flag for any reliever trying to carve out a consistent role.

Still, there’s some value under the hood. In Triple-A, Kent posted a 2.84 ERA over 38 innings, showing he can hold his own against upper-level hitters. He may not be a high-leverage option right now, but there’s enough there to make him a worthwhile project for a team like the Cardinals, who are looking to solidify their bullpen depth.

Cardinals Eyeing Flexibility

St. Louis is reportedly hoping to secure a fourth option year for Kent, which would allow them to shuttle him between Triple-A and the big league club without exposing him to waivers. That would be a win for the Cardinals, who are expected to have several open bullpen spots heading into spring training.

Even if that option year doesn’t come through, Kent fits the mold of a swingman who can bounce between levels as needed. He’s not likely to be a fixture in the late innings, but in today’s game, teams need arms who can eat innings and keep the bullpen from being overtaxed. That’s where Kent could find his niche.

A Roster Move with Bigger Implications?

The Guardians’ decision to part ways with Kent wasn’t just about his performance-it was about clearing space. Cleveland recently added prospects Austin Peterson and Yorman Gómez to the 40-man roster and signed Connor Brogdon to a guaranteed big-league deal. That left Kent on the outside looking in.

But the ripple effect of this move could stretch beyond just Kent’s future. With roster space now available, the Guardians are in position to be aggressive at the Winter Meetings.

And don’t be surprised if they circle back to the Cardinals in trade talks. One name to watch: JoJo Romero, a veteran reliever who could be on the move and, for now, happens to share a bullpen with Kent in St.

Louis.

So while today’s transaction may not make headlines, it’s the kind of move that sets the stage for something bigger. The Guardians are clearing the deck.

The Cardinals are adding depth. And both teams are positioning themselves for what could be a very active stretch in Nashville.