Rangers Designate Zak Kent For Assignment

Texas clears roster spot for free agent signing Jordan Montgomery

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The Texas Rangers have designated right-handed pitcher Zak Kent for assignment, clearing a spot on the 40-man roster for the team's latest free agent signing, left-hander Jordan Montgomery. Kent, 27, was just claimed off waivers by the Rangers last month but has now been removed from the roster.

Why it matters

Roster moves like this are common in Major League Baseball as teams make adjustments to their pitching staffs and 40-man rosters throughout the offseason and into the regular season. The Rangers are making room for Montgomery, who they have re-signed, while parting ways with Kent, who had a brief MLB debut in 2025 with the Cleveland Guardians.

The details

Kent was originally drafted by the Rangers in the 9th round in 2019 and spent several seasons in their minor league system before being traded to Cleveland prior to the 2024 season. He made his MLB debut with the Guardians in 2025, pitching 17 2/3 innings with a 4.58 ERA, 21.1% strikeout rate, and 10.5% walk rate. Kent spent most of 2025 at the Triple-A level, where he had a 2.84 ERA but also a high 13.2% walk rate.

  • The Rangers announced the roster move on February 13, 2026.

The players

Zak Kent

A 27-year-old right-handed pitcher who was recently claimed off waivers by the Rangers but has now been designated for assignment.

Jordan Montgomery

A left-handed pitcher who the Rangers have re-signed to a new contract, with Kent's roster spot clearing the way for Montgomery's addition.

Texas Rangers

The Major League Baseball team that made the roster moves involving Kent and Montgomery.

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The takeaway

Roster moves like this are a regular part of the offseason and in-season roster management in Major League Baseball, as teams make adjustments to their pitching staffs and 40-man rosters.