Zak Kent

Kent missed much of the 2023 season with an oblique strain suffered during his first start of the season, then returned in August to post a serviceable 3.97 ERA (3.69 FIP) for Triple-A Round Rock in the Pacific Coast League. It was only 34 innings, but the right-hander exhibited improved control. Kent then got hammered in the Arizona Fall League, but as one of three minor league starting pitchers on the 40-man roster - Owen White and Cole Winn the others - Kent could get a spring training look, as the Rangers cope with injured starters. Max Scherzer (back) is out until June at the earliest, while Jacob deGrom and Tyler Mahle both rehab from Tommy John elbow surgery. Their expected returns are during the second half. Cody Bradford is also in the mix, but the World Series champs may look to the open market for veteran starting options. Kent will likely return to Triple-A Round Rock, for whom he's held his own over 15 career starts.