The St. Louis Cardinals continue to reshape their roster as Opening Day approaches, signaling that even in the middle of a significant organizational reset, they’re not standing still.
This offseason has made one thing crystal clear: the Cardinals are embracing change. By trading away four of their most prominent players, the front office made it obvious that a new chapter is underway in St. Louis. The franchise, long known for consistency and stability, is now navigating what can only be described as a substantial retooling process. While that kind of transition can be unsettling, it also creates opportunities — both for established veterans looking for a fresh start and for players fighting to secure a foothold in the big leagues.
Despite moving major pieces off the roster, the Cardinals haven’t approached this winter as a full teardown. Instead, they’ve carefully added players they believe can contribute right away. One of the more notable signings came when they brought in right-hander Dustin May to help anchor the top of the starting rotation. That move suggested the team still intends to compete and provide stability on the mound, even as the broader roster evolves.
On Saturday, the organization made another adjustment, this time in the infield. The Cardinals officially announced that they had signed infielder Ramón Urías to a one-year contract for the upcoming season. To make room on the 40-man roster, the club designated right-handed pitcher Zak Kent for assignment.
The transaction was reported by John Denton of MLB.com, who detailed the chain reaction that led to Kent once again being removed from a roster spot. According to the report, St. Louis had recently claimed Kent off waivers from the Texas Rangers earlier in the week. However, that stay proved extremely brief, as the Cardinals quickly needed the roster flexibility to accommodate Urías.
Kent’s journey this offseason has been anything but stable. In fact, “whirlwind” might be the most fitting description. The Cardinals initially claimed him off waivers from the Cleveland Guardians back in December. After roughly a month within the organization, he lost his roster spot when St. Louis acquired left-hander Justin Bruihl, creating another crunch on the 40-man roster. Kent was then claimed by the Rangers, only to be removed again when Texas signed left-hander Jordan Montgomery, forcing yet another adjustment.
That brought him back to St. Louis — albeit briefly. His most recent stint with the Cardinals lasted just five days before he was designated for assignment once more. It’s the kind of transactional carousel that highlights how precarious life can be for players on the margins of a 40-man roster.
For Kent, the constant movement has defined his winter. As Opening Day draws closer, he once again finds himself in roster limbo, waiting to see whether another club will claim him or whether he’ll clear waivers and potentially remain in the organization in a different capacity.
While his current status suggests he’s near the bottom of the depth chart in the eyes of front offices, Kent’s résumé indicates he still has the talent to carve out a role somewhere. The 26-year-old right-hander made his Major League debut last season with Cleveland, appearing in limited action but showing flashes of promise. Over 17 2/3 innings, he allowed nine earned runs and recorded 16 strikeouts. The sample size was small, making it difficult to draw sweeping conclusions about his long-term outlook, but it was enough to demonstrate that he can compete at the highest level.
For a rebuilding or pitching-needy club, a controllable arm with recent big-league experience can be appealing. Bullpens are notoriously fluid, and teams often cycle through multiple relievers over the course of a season. Injuries, workload management, and performance fluctuations create opportunities. Given Kent’s strikeout ability and prior success in the minors, it wouldn’t be surprising to see another team take a chance on him before long.
Meanwhile, the addition of Urías represents a different type of move for St. Louis. Rather than a developmental flier, this is a veteran infielder expected to provide immediate depth and versatility. Urías has experience across multiple infield positions and brings a steady defensive presence along with flashes of offensive production. On a roster in transition, that kind of flexibility is valuable. Young players emerging from the farm system benefit from having reliable veterans around them, and managers appreciate options when constructing lineups and late-game substitutions.
The Cardinals’ front office appears to be balancing short-term competitiveness with longer-term planning. By parting with several cornerstone players, they’ve created room for younger talent to step forward. At the same time, they’ve supplemented the roster with players like May and Urías to avoid a complete collapse in the standings. It’s a delicate dance — rebuild without bottoming out, compete without sacrificing future assets.
For fans, this type of offseason can be disorienting. The Cardinals have long been a model of sustained success, rarely dipping into prolonged downturns. Seeing four top players traded in one winter signals a significant philosophical shift. Yet the steady stream of smaller signings and claims shows that the organization isn’t content to simply tread water.
Roster management in modern baseball is a constant puzzle. The 40-man roster limit forces teams to make difficult choices, often sacrificing one player to create room for another. In Kent’s case, his lack of long-term security made him vulnerable each time the Cardinals identified a player they valued more highly in the short term. It’s less a commentary on his ability and more a reflection of timing and roster arithmetic.
Still, that doesn’t make the experience any less challenging for the player involved. Being claimed and designated multiple times within a few months can disrupt preparation, relationships, and personal stability. Players must adapt quickly, sometimes relocating across the country on short notice, all while attempting to remain focused and ready for the next opportunity.
As the league inches closer to Opening Day, the waiver wire tends to remain active. Teams finalize their rosters, exposing players who might fit better elsewhere. Kent could benefit from that environment, particularly if a club dealing with spring injuries looks for bullpen reinforcements.
Ultimately, the Cardinals’ latest moves underscore the broader narrative of their offseason: transformation paired with pragmatism. They are clearly reshaping their identity, yet they are doing so methodically rather than impulsively. Adding Urías bolsters infield depth. Signing May strengthens the rotation. Cycling through pitchers like Kent reflects the constant churn at the back end of rosters across Major League Baseball.
Whether this strategy pays dividends in the standings remains to be seen. Rebuilds are rarely linear, and progress often comes in uneven waves. But by staying active — both in headline-making trades and in under-the-radar transactions — St. Louis is positioning itself to remain flexible and opportunistic.
For Kent, the story isn’t over. Baseball careers often hinge on persistence and timing. A few strong outings in the right situation can dramatically alter perception. While he currently finds himself without a firm roster spot, his recent big-league experience and solid, if brief, performance suggest that another chance is likely waiting somewhere.
And for the Cardinals, each move — big or small — represents another step in a carefully orchestrated reset. Opening Day is fast approaching, and while the roster may look different than it has in years past, the organization’s commitment to building a competitive team remains evident in every transaction.
