Seoul: At first, pitcher Wes Benjamin wasn't aware of a new pathway for foreign players to land in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO). Since last year, KBO teams have been allowed to sign short-term replacements for injured foreign players who are expected to miss at least six weeks. Several teams have made use of that rule to fill their roster holes. Someone like Benjamin, who already has a track record of recent success in the KBO, can be especially valuable. And the Doosan Bears acquired him earlier this month when their Opening Day starter, Chris Flexen, suffered a shoulder injury.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Benjamin, who went 31-18 with a 3.74 ERA in 74 starts for the KT Wiz from 2022 to 2024, is thankful for another go-around in South Korea, despite the inherent uncertainty of his contract. "I didn't know this was going to be an option for me until my agent called and said I had the ability to come here. I was just glad to be able to work my way back into the KBO however I could," Benjamin expressed at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul. Although uncertain about his future, Benjamin is determined to make the most of his current opportunity.
Benjamin, 32, has rewarded the Bears with two solid starts. He threw 4 2/3 shutout innings against the Lotte Giants to mark his KBO return on April 21 and then held the LG Twins to three runs over seven innings on Sunday. Although he didn't secure a personal win in either outing, the Bears triumphed in both games, aligning with Benjamin's focus on team success. His main goal is to put the team in a position to win, regardless of his individual performance or future contract status.
After his first KBO stint, Benjamin struggled to make it back to Major League Baseball (MLB). He signed with the San Diego Padres before the 2025 season but spent the year with their Triple-A club, the El Paso Chihuahuas. Despite an inconsistent season, Benjamin used the experience to refine his skills, developing a sinker and adjusting his slider grip to enhance its movement.
Benjamin remained unsigned at the start of the year after the Padres released him in November 2025. Despite his agent's assurance of potential opportunities, Benjamin found MLB teams more interested in younger pitchers. Nonetheless, he stayed prepared, training in Chicago and Florida, until the Doosan Bears expressed interest, allowing him to return to the KBO.
During a pregame media session, Bears manager Kim Won-hyong praised Benjamin's contributions and hinted at the possibility of extending his contract if Flexen remains sidelined. Benjamin, for his part, relishes the vibrant atmosphere of KBO games and appreciates the chance to play in a high-intensity environment once more.
In addition to the game itself, Benjamin admitted to missing the unique coffee culture in South Korea, adding a personal touch to his professional journey back to the KBO.