Last June, Benton was promoted from the Class A affiliate, the Lynchburg Hillcats, to the Lake County (Ohio) Captains, the high-A affiliate of the Guardians.
He finished the 2022 campaign with a combined 2-2 record, with 12 saves and a 2.08 earned run average, pitching a total of 43 1/3 innings.
The Rubber Ducks opened the 2023 season by losing two of three to the Erie Sea Wolves. They are on the road for six games against the Bowie (Md.) Baysox, before returning home April 18 to face the Harrisburg Senators.
The Guardians franchise, formerly the Indians, is known for developing pitchers. In 2020, Shane Bieber (American League) and Trevor Bauer (National League), both of whom were drafted and developed in the Cleveland farm system, won the Cy Young Award, awarded annually to each league's top pitcher.
"The only problem is, Cleveland has a lot of great pitchers," Rick Benton said. "But it's great for him to be involved with an organization with such a reputation for developing pitchers."
The Guardians drafted Trey Benton out of East Carolina University in the 15th round of the 2019 draft.
Just before the MLB draft, Benton had "Tommy John" surgery, or more formerly known as ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) reconstruction, to repair a torn ligament inside the elbow.
Trey Benton's twin brothers, Cody and Cole, play Division I college baseball at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. Both are pitchers. All three Bentons worked at BTS during summers and time off.
"We're humbled that he's where he's at," Rick Benton said. "It's a big step to be there. The competition is fierce."
Benton said he son works hard and will continue his pro career as far as he can take it. The only stop left before the big leagues is Class AAA Columbus.
"He's going to be chasing his dream as far as he can," Rick Benton said.