The Padres released left-hander Wes Benjamin earlier this week, according to the minor league transactions log. He joined the organization in February on a minor league deal with a non-roster invite to MLB Spring Training. Benjamin spent his 2025 campaign with Triple-A El Paso.
Texas took Benjamin in the fifth round of the 2014 draft. He posted solid results as he moved through the Rangers’ system, recording a sub-4.00 ERA in each of his first four seasons. Benjamin reached Triple-A in 2019. He struggled to a 5.52 ERA, but set career highs in starts (25) and innings (135 1/3).
Benjamin debuted with the Rangers in the shortened 2020 season. He scuffled to a 4.84 ERA over eight appearances, though his xERA was more than a run lower. Benjamin got another look with the big-league club in 2021, but was blasted for 22 earned runs in 22 2/3 innings. He elected minor league free agency at the end of the season.
After a brief stint in the White Sox system, Benjamin would head abroad. He joined the KT Wiz of the KBO partway through the 2022 season. Benjamin produced solid results over three years with the Wiz, including a 15-win season in 2023. He wrapped up his time in Korea with a respectable 3.74 ERA over 406 innings.
Benjamin had an ugly 6.42 ERA with the Chihuahuas this past season. His xERA and xFIP were both above 5.50. He also lost time to injury.
Photo courtesy of Mark J. Rebilas, Imagn Images.
Someone should try him as a relief pitcher
He has a pretty sweet name for an umpire when he’s done playing ball. I’d expect a fair strike zone and clean game with Wes Benjamin behind the plate.
“Wes Benjamin” that’s a 1970s/1980s baseball name. I like it.
Here’s his stats – baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=ben…
I got confused, thinking that he pitched for the Red Sox a long time ago. I combined Wes Gardner & Mike Benjamin in my mind who pitched in the 80’s & 90’s. (Yes, I am old).