Minnesota Twins Claim Zak Kent From Cardinals’ Waivers

The Minnesota Twins claimed right-hander Zak Kent off waivers from the St. Louis Cardinals. This move creates a 40-man roster vacancy and shines a light on Minnesota’s bullpen plans for 2026.

Let’s break down Kent’s odd winter journey, what his numbers really show, and how he might fit into a Twins bullpen that suddenly has to make up for Pablo López’s year-long absence after his internal brace procedure.

Zak Kent’s journey to Minnesota

Kent, 28, has bounced among four organizations this off-season after finishing 2025 with the Cleveland Guardians. He spent a bit with the Cardinals, then the Rangers, back to the Cardinals, and now, here he is in Minnesota.

The Twins opened a roster spot when Pablo López, who had that injury procedure, moved to the 60-day injured list and will miss all of 2026. Kent’s path is honestly pretty typical these days for breakout arms who don’t throw gas but still find ways to miss bats with a bunch of different pitches.

Career snapshot and 2025 stats

• Big-league debut in 2025 with Cleveland: 17 2/3 innings, 4.58 ERA, 21.1% strikeout rate, 10.5% walk rate.
• Triple-A time in 2025 (Columbus): 2.84 ERA, 31.4% strikeout rate, 13.2% walk rate.
• Stuff profile: not a flamethrower—four-seamer averaged 93.1 mph in 2025—but he goes after hitters with a mid-80s slider and a low-80s curveball.
• Minor-league track record: over four Triple-A seasons, Kent has a 3.74 ERA, 26% strikeout rate, and 12% walk rate.

His numbers show a pitcher who can miss bats with a sneaky mix, not just velocity. The slider and curveball both get chases and work against righties and lefties, though his control will probably decide how far he goes.

Option year status and roster considerations

Kent is entering what might be his final minor-league option year. He’s already used up the usual three, but a fourth is possible under certain circumstances.

For Minnesota, this pickup matters because it shakes up the bullpen picture with López out for 2026. The Twins now have a handful of arms—Cole Sands, Anthony Banda, Taylor Rogers, and Justin Topa—who could all compete for late-inning work or long relief. None of them are guaranteed any particular role.

Kent adds another depth option who could slot into different spots as the year goes on, especially if he sharpens his command and mixes pitches well against both sides. The team seems focused on building a bullpen with real flexibility, which feels necessary with López gone for the year.

Impact on Minnesota’s bullpen and spring training logistics

Relief roles usually shift a lot in spring. Kent’s arrival brings in another candidate who might grab an early-season spot or start out in Triple-A.

He’ll need to show he can keep his slider and curveball consistent. That mid-90s fastball? It’s his ticket to missing bats in short bullpen outings.

This move fits with Minnesota’s need to test out bullpen depth, especially since López is out for the year.

One other thing: both the Twins and Cardinals are playing their Grapefruit League games in Florida. Kent won’t have to deal with a cross-country move for spring training.

That’s a nice break, honestly. He’ll get a smoother start in camp and a faster sense of what the team wants from him in 2026.

 
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