Padres Sign Wes Benjamin to Minor League Deal

The San Diego Padres have signed left-handed pitcher Wes Benjamin to a minor league contract, including a non-roster invite to MLB Spring Training. Benjamin, 31, returns to the United States after a three-year stint in South Korea with the KT Wiz, where he posted a 3.74 ERA over 400 innings. Despite a challenging 2024 season with a 4.63 ERA, Benjamin's consistent strikeout rate and experience make him a valuable addition to the Padres' pitching depth. Before his time in Korea, Benjamin spent eight years in the Texas Rangers organization, making 21 major league appearances between 2020 and 2021. The Padres are optimistic that Benjamin can provide reliable rotation depth as he competes for a spot on the major league roster.
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Benjamin's journey has been marked by perseverance and adaptability. After being drafted by the Rangers in the fifth round of the 2014 MLB Draft, he faced ups and downs in his career, including a near-6.00 ERA in Triple-A and a brief stint with the Chicago White Sox's top affiliate in 2022. His move to the KBO allowed him to refine his skills and gain valuable experience. Now, with the Padres, Benjamin has the opportunity to showcase his talent and contribute to the team's success. As spring training progresses, his performance will be closely monitored by the coaching staff, and fans will be eager to see if he can make a successful return to the majors.