Former Guardians vagabond back in baseball wilderness after Nationals release

The Washington Nationals released pitcher Zak Kent on Wednesday after he cleared waivers, sending the former Cleveland Guardians reliever back into free agency. Henry Palattella of Away Back Gone argues that the Guardians should consider reuniting with Kent on a minor league contract to bolster their organizational pitching depth.

Kent recorded a 5.51 ERA across 16 1/3 major league innings in 2026 split between the Nationals and Minnesota Twins, alongside a 4.61 ERA in Triple-A. Palattella suggests his previous success in Cleveland's system makes him a low-risk bullpen depth option.