Home / Sports / UA Pitcher Kent Set for Major League Debut
UA Pitcher Kent Set for Major League Debut
11 Aug
Summary
- Jackson Kent will be the 96th ex-Wildcat to play in the majors.
- He was recruited by Chip Hale, making him unique.
- Kent was drafted in the 4th round in 2024 for $625,000.
Jackson Kent is poised to make his Major League Baseball debut with the Washington Nationals this week, a significant achievement for the former University of Arizona pitcher. He will join an elite group of ex-Wildcats in the majors, becoming the 96th in total.
Kent's journey is unique as he is the first former Wildcat to reach the big leagues after being recruited by Chip Hale. The 23-year-old spent three seasons at Arizona from 2022-2024, sitting out his first year due to transfer rules. In his 33 games for the Wildcats, he recorded a 3-4 record with a 4.61 ERA, striking out 122 batters.
The Nationals drafted Kent in the 4th round of the 2024 draft, signing him for $625,000. He has since made 44 minor league starts, achieving a 16-14 record and a 4.22 ERA. His recent performance at Triple-A Rochester saw him go 8-3 with a 4.38 ERA in 13 starts since May.
Kent's promotion marks the second time this season an ex-Wildcat has debuted in MLB, following catcher Daniel Susac with the San Francisco Giants.
