The Texas Rangers made a roster move on Friday, designating right-hander Zak Kent for assignment to clear space on the 40-man roster for the newly re-signed Jordan Montgomery. Montgomery’s return on a one-year deal is now official, giving the Rangers’ rotation a proven lefty presence as they gear up for another run in 2026.

For Kent, it’s yet another twist in what’s become a whirlwind few months. Though he was just claimed off waivers by Texas last month, he’s no stranger to the organization. The Rangers originally drafted him in the ninth round back in 2019, and he spent the better part of five seasons developing in their system before being shipped to Cleveland just ahead of Opening Day in 2024.

Kent finally got his first taste of big league action in 2025 with the Guardians, logging 17 2/3 innings. His numbers-4.58 ERA, 21.1% strikeout rate, and 10.5% walk rate-paint the picture of a pitcher still finding his footing at the highest level.

But the real intrigue lies in what he did at Triple-A Columbus. There, Kent posted a strong 2.84 ERA and an eye-popping 31.4% strikeout rate.

The flip side? A 13.2% walk rate that suggests command remains a work in progress.

Stuff-wise, Kent brings some heat. His four-seamer averaged 93.1 mph, and he pairs it with an 85.7 mph slider and an 81.3 mph curveball.

There’s clearly something there-enough that multiple teams have taken a flyer on him this offseason. Since the end of the 2025 campaign, Kent has bounced from the Guardians to the Cardinals to the Rangers, all via waivers.

Now, he’s back in DFA limbo.

Because he’s out of minor league options, Kent can’t be sent down without clearing waivers. That said, according to reporting from December, he qualifies for a rare fourth option year-something typically granted to players who’ve missed significant time due to injury or burned through their first three options within their first five pro seasons. That added flexibility could make him more appealing to teams looking for depth with upside.

The Rangers now have five days to either trade Kent or place him on waivers again. Given his strikeout potential and the fact that multiple clubs have already taken a look at him this winter, it wouldn’t be surprising to see another team take a chance.

For Texas, the move was about making room for Montgomery, but Kent’s story is far from over. He’s the kind of arm that keeps bouncing around until something clicks-and when it does, he could prove to be more than just a roster casualty.