Nationals Claim Pitcher Off Waivers From Twins
Washington had an opening on the 40-man roster after left-hander Cionel Perez was outrighted on Saturday, and the Nationals used it to grab a pitcher who has now passed through four organizations since the start of this offseason.
The Twins designated Kent last week to open a 40-man spot for right-hander Luis Garcia, whom they had selected off waivers from the Astros.
Kent was with Minnesota after the Twins claimed him from the Cardinals in late February, which was itself his third organization since the start of spring training following earlier stints with the Guardians and Rangers.
The waiver carousel has not slowed down for Kent since he made his big league debut last season, and the Nationals are the latest team willing to take a look.
What Kent Brings
Kent, 28, made his MLB debut with the Cleveland Guardians in 2025, tossing 17.2 innings across 12 relief appearances with a 4.58 ERA, a 21.1 percent strikeout rate, and a 10.5 percent walk rate.
He is not an especially hard thrower, sitting around 93 mph with his four-seamer, but the quality of his mid-80s slider and low-80s curveball allowed him to miss bats in the upper minors at a rate that kept teams interested.
Across parts of four Triple-A seasons, Kent carries a 3.74 ERA with a 26 percent strikeout rate and a 12 percent walk rate.
The Nationals have claimed RHP Zak Kent off outright waivers from the Minnesota Twins and have optioned him to Triple-A Rochester.
— Nationals Communications (@NationalsComms) May 3, 2026
The most important detail heading into this season is that Kent is entering his final minor league option year, meaning this is likely the last time a team can stash him in Triple-A without complications.
That optionality is one of the primary reasons teams keep claiming him.
The Bigger Picture in Washington
The Nationals currently carry a 5.11 team ERA that ranks 29th in baseball, with both the rotation and the bullpen contributing to a pitching staff that has been one of the worst in the league through the first month of the season.
Paul Toboni's front office has been active on the margins as a result, signing Max Kranick to a deal pending a physical this week and now adding Kent off waivers the same weekend.
Henrico, Virginia native & former Virginia Military Institute standout right handed pitcher 𝐙𝐀𝐊 𝐊𝐄𝐍𝐓 has been claimed off waivers by the @Nationals from the Twins and optioned him to @RocRedWings
— Navy Yard Nats (@NavyYardNats) May 3, 2026
Kent was Drafted by the Texas Rangers in the 9th round of the 2019 MLB June… pic.twitter.com/T4T704fNn1
Neither move is going to fix Washington's pitching situation on its own. Kent is the fourth team's bet on the same arm in the span of roughly four months.
Washington is hoping their coaching staff finds something the previous three organizations missed.
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