Matt Kent

Matthew Allen Kent (born September 13, 1992) is an American professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. He has previously played in the Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL) for the Fubon Guardians and Rakuten Monkeys.

Career Boston Red Sox The Boston Red Sox selected Kent in the 13th round of the 2015 MLB draft out of Texas A&M University, where he pitched for the Texas Aggies and improved gradually each season. In 2015, he went 9–1 with a 2.76 earned run average in 98 innings pitched, leading the team in innings and K/BB ratio (7.0), while posting the lowest ERA of any A&M pitcher to collect at least 55 innings.

The left-hander made a promising debut with the Low–A Lowell Spinners in 2015, as he went 7–1 with a 1.86 ERA and one save in 14 long relief appearances, striking out 35 and giving up 10 walks in innings of work. After that, he started the decisive Game 3 for Salem in the Carolina League South Division Championship Series, which was won by the Myrtle Beach Pelicans, 2–1. Kent, who did not factor in the decision, was dominant in scoreless innings for the Sox, scattering four hits while not walking a batter and striking out five. Overall, Kent compiled a record of 10–7 with a 3.54 ERA in 28 starts, striking out 125 batters while walking 37 in 168 innings. Moreover, he led all Red Sox minor league pitchers in starts, innings, and least home runs allowed (4), while ending fourth in wins, ERA and strikeouts.

Kent spent the 2017 season with Salem, appearing in 28 games (all starts) while compiling a 7–7 record with 4.23 ERA, 142 strikeouts, and 38 walks in 164 innings pitched. Kent began the 2021 season in Double-A with Portland, and spent part of July in Triple-A with the Worcester Red Sox. He elected minor league free agency following the season on November 7, 2021.

Miami Marlins On December 3, 2021, Kent signed a minor league contract with the Miami Marlins organization. Kent made 28 appearances (25 starts) for the Triple-A Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp in 2022, posting a 9-11 record and 4.99 ERA with 80 strikeouts in innings pitched. He became a free agent following the season on November 10, 2022.

Fubon Guardians On January 27, 2023, Kent signed with the Fubon Guardians of the Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL). In 25 games (24 starts) for Fubon, Kent compiled a 5–12 record and 3.23 ERA with 69 strikeouts across innings pitched.

Rakuten Monkeys On June 2, 2024, Kent signed with the Rakuten Monkeys of the Chinese Professional Baseball League.