Padres sign forgotten Rangers draft pick to minor league deal

It seems the San Diego Padres are not done adding to their roster, now signing a forgotten Rangers 2014 draft pick to a minor league deal. Wes Benjamin, who last appeared in an MLB game in 2021, spent the previous three seasons with the KT Wiz of the Korean Baseball Organization. First reported by MadFriars on X, the 31-year-old left handed reliever signed a deal that includes an invite to spring training, and will most likely start the year at Triple-A El Paso.

Appearing in 21 games over the course of two seasons with the Rangers, Benjamin had shaky numbers with 34 earned runs and 10 home runs given up over 45 innings pitched. After bouncing between Triple-A and the MLB, the Winfield, Illinois native took a move to Korea where he stayed for three seasons.

Although his ERA climbed each year he spent in Korea, finishing at a 4.63 in 2024, last season's 24.4% strikeout rate was definitely a contributing factor in the Padres decision to bring him back stateside. A low walk rate, staying below 3 BB/9 in each of the past three years is also a positive mark.

Having already reported to camp, Benjamin will be competing for a spot in the bullpen, although his chances seem relatively low. A strong bullpen with lots of options for low-leverage arms places Benjamin on a path to El Paso, but three recent injuries to Padres bullpen arms could raise his chances.

Bryan Hoeing's shoulder injury, Sean Reynold's foot injury, and the scary facial fracture sustained by Cole Paplham after being hit by a line drive on Sunday are all likely reasons why Benjamin was brought in.

Benjamin still has plenty of time to prove himself to the coaching staff. With 29 games remaining in spring training, look for the lefty to receive plenty of time on the bump as the Padres coaching staff finalizes the roster before Opening Day. San Diego is back in action on Tuesday 12:10 PM, when they take on the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.