Doosan Bears solidify roster with Benjamin extension and Severino signing

The Doosan Bears announced Thursday they have signed temporary injury fill-in Wes Benjamin to a full contract and acquired new infielder Yunior Severino, according to Yonhap News.

Benjamin agreed to a US$450,000 deal that will keep him in the Bears' rotation for the remainder of the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) season.

Benjamin first joined the Bears in early April on a six-week contract as a replacement for injured starter Chris Flexen. He then earned another six-week deal in late May, as Flexen remained out with shoulder problems. The Bears cut ties with Flexen on Monday, two days before Benjamin's second six-week contract was set to expire. On the last day of his deal, Benjamin struck out a season-high 10 batters while giving up one unearned run in six innings against the Lotte Giants.

Benjamin has pitched to a 2.66 ERA since making his season debut on April 21, the third-best mark in the KBO during that period. For the season, the American left-hander owns the second-best ERA on the Bears, who lead the KBO with a 3.97 ERA. Benjamin previously pitched for another KBO club, the KT Wiz, from 2022 to 2024.

In another move Thursday, the Bears signed Severino at $200,000 as their new foreign hitter, after releasing outfielder Daz Cameron on Monday.

Severino, a 27-year-old from the Dominican Republic, is a career minor leaguer who has also spent time in the Dominican Winter League and the Mexican League. In 54 games in Mexico this season, Severino batted .340/.402/.529 with five home runs and 44 RBIs. The Bears said the switch-hitting Severino will provide power from both sides of the plate and should be able to add a much-needed punch to their lineup.

Coverage comparison

Yonhap News reported the signings in multiple articles. One article, published July 2, detailed the contracts and the rationale behind the moves, including the releases of Flexen and Cameron. Another article, published July 8, focused on Severino's arrival in South Korea and his first practice with the Bears at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul.

Earlier reporting from June 30 indicated the Bears were hopeful of retaining Benjamin on a full contract. At that time, manager Kim Won-hyong said talks between the player and the club were going well. "Barring any unexpected development, our focus is on keeping him around," Kim said. "And Benjamin already told us that he will do his best tomorrow regardless of his contract status. We will get a clearer picture in the next couple of days."

Key claims

The key facts reported by Yonhap include:

  • Wes Benjamin joined the Doosan Bears as a temporary replacement for Chris Flexen, with his second six-week contract set to expire.
  • The Bears released Chris Flexen on Monday, two days before Benjamin's contract expired.
  • Benjamin signed a full contract with the Bears for $450,000.
  • Yunior Severino signed with the Bears as a new foreign hitter for $200,000.
  • Severino posted a .340/.402/.529 batting line with five home runs and 44 RBIs in 54 games in the Mexican League this season.
  • Severino is a switch hitter who can play both corner infield positions, and the Bears see him as their primary first baseman, with the ability to spell An Jae-seok at third base.
  • Severino had his first practice with the Bears on July 7, 2026, and said he wants to be remembered as a big cheerleader for his teammates and someone who brings positive energy.
Additional context from the reports: The Bears have struggled offensively this season, ranking near the bottom in runs, home runs, batting average with runners in scoring position, and on-base plus slugging. Cameron, who was released, had nine homers and 43 RBIs in 75 games but batted only .244 with runners in scoring position. The Bears have a surplus of young outfielders they want to play more, and they wanted a new foreign hitter who could provide power.

Severino, a career minor leaguer, has also spent time in the Dominican Winter League. He said he feels comfortable hitting from either side of the plate and is looking forward to contributing to the Bears' lineup.