Miami Marlins sign free agent LHP Matthew Kent

While no major league transactions can be completed during the MLB Lockout, minor league free agent signings are allowed, and are happening almost everyday. While the Miami Marlins have already signed a few minor league free agents so far this offseason, another name can now be added to that list.

Miami Marlins sign free agent LHP Matthew Kent

The Marlins have signed free agent pitcher Matthew Kent to a minor league deal, and have optioned the left-hander to Double-A Pensacola.

A former 13th round pick by the Boston Red Sox in the 2015 MLB Draft out of Texas A&M, Kent has spent every season since 2015 in the Red Sox organization where he has acted primarily as a starter. However, the 29-year-old transitioned to more of a long-reliever role during the 2021 season in what was Kent’s third consecutive season splitting time between Double-A and Triple-A, a majority of which came in Double-A in all three.

Making a total of 27 appearances (3 starts) between Double-A and Triple-A in 2021, Kent posted a combined 7-3 record with a 3.73 ERA across 72.1 innings, while also striking out 57 batters to 15 walks. The left-hander’s 2021 season also included a career-low 1.9 BB/9, as well as a 7.1 K/9.

Kent holds a career 3.94 ERA across six minor league seasons in the Red Sox organization, as well as having held a combined 3.15 ERA across his three seasons at Texas A&M from 2013-2015. While Kent does hold a career 9.6 H/9 across his six seasons in the minor leagues, the left-hander does limit walks, as well as collecting a strong number of strikeouts.

A player who has experience as both a starter and reliever, Kent as mentioned previously was optioned to Double-A Pensacola where he could see time in both roles in 2022. Based on how he starts the season with the Blue Wahoos as well, Kent will also likely see time with Triple-A Jacksonville early in the year.