Ben Gamel – Detroit Tigers Biography, Contract, Net Worth Information

Ben Gamel, born May 17, 1992, has put together a journeyman career in Major League Baseball. Most recently, he landed with the Detroit Tigers organization.

The American outfielder signed a one-year $1.2 million minor league contract with Detroit in March 2025, right after the Houston Astros released him. Gamel’s current net worth is around $6.1 million, the result of years spent with teams like the Yankees, Mariners, Brewers, Pirates, and Astros.

Gamel’s recent path has taken a few unexpected turns. He originally agreed to a $1.2 million deal with the Astros (with a $200,000 signing bonus), but they let him go less than two months later.

That quick move really shows how unpredictable pro baseball can be, even for veterans like Gamel who bring experience and flexibility to the outfield.

Gamel, a left-handed hitter, brings loads of experience to Detroit. He’s played all three outfield spots over his career.

His journey through so many MLB teams highlights just how much resilience you need to stick around in this game. Honestly, it’s a pretty compelling example of persistence in baseball.

Early Life and Background

Ben Gamel’s baseball journey started in a family where the sport was a big deal. Growing up in Florida, he developed into the kind of prospect who could make it to the majors.

Family and Upbringing

Ben Gamel was born Benjamin Joseph Gamel on May 17, 1992, in Neptune Beach, Florida. He grew up in a baseball-loving family where the sport was woven into daily life.

His dad, Rick, played a big part in helping Ben learn the game from an early age.

Ben’s older brother, Mat Gamel, also chased a professional baseball career and played for the Milwaukee Brewers. That family connection gave Ben a unique look into what pro baseball demands.

Florida’s baseball-rich environment gave Ben the chance to practice all year, which definitely gave him a leg up on kids from colder places.

Education and High School Baseball

Gamel attended Bishop Kenny High School in Jacksonville, Florida. There, he stood out as a baseball player.

During his high school years, he built the all-around game that would later define him as a pro.

As a lefty hitter with speed and defensive versatility, Gamel caught the eye of scouts and college coaches. His high school performance showed he had the tools to go far.

Teachers and coaches often commented on his work ethic and baseball smarts. He wasn’t the biggest guy on the field, but his instincts and fundamentals really stood out.

Early Baseball Prospects

By his senior year, Gamel had become a legitimate pro prospect. Scouts liked his:

• Hitting approach: Pretty advanced for his age
• Defensive versatility: He could play multiple outfield spots
• Speed: He ran well above average
• Baseball IQ: He just seemed to get the game

The New York Yankees picked Gamel in the 10th round (325th overall) of the 2010 MLB Draft, giving him a shot to start his pro journey straight out of high school.

Instead of playing college ball, Gamel chose to sign with the Yankees and jump right into the minors. That decision sped up his development and let him focus on baseball from the start.

Professional Baseball Career

Since 2016, Ben Gamel has built a journeyman MLB career. He’s played for several teams and earned a reputation as a reliable corner outfielder with a gritty, all-out style.

MLB Debut and Early Years

Gamel made his MLB debut with the New York Yankees in 2016 after working his way through their minor league system.

He spent a lot of time at Triple-A, sharpening his skills as an outfielder and focusing on making contact at the plate.

The Seattle Mariners traded for Gamel in August 2016, giving him his first real chance at regular big-league playing time. In 2017 with Seattle, Gamel hit over .270 and became a regular in the Mariners’ outfield rotation.

His lefty bat and ability to handle all three outfield spots made him a valuable piece for Seattle.

Stints with Brewers, Padres, and Other Teams

The Milwaukee Brewers picked up Gamel before the 2019 season. He joined a stacked outfield with Christian Yelich and Ryan Braun.

With the Brewers, Gamel mostly served as a fourth outfielder, backing up the team’s stars.

After Milwaukee, Gamel bounced around a bit—Cleveland (now the Guardians), Pittsburgh Pirates, and San Diego Padres all brought him in. Teams liked his defense and lefty bat for outfield depth.

In Pittsburgh (2021-2022), Gamel got more regular playing time and responded with solid numbers at the plate.

Corner Outfield Positions and Playing Style

Gamel has mostly played the corners—left and right field. His defense usually grades out as average to a bit above, but what stands out is how hard he plays.

At the plate, Gamel uses a compact lefty swing, aiming for contact rather than power. His hitting approach features:

• Good on-base skills
• Patience to work counts
• A gap-to-gap style
• Modest power (usually 5-10 homers per year)

He may not hit a ton of home runs, but he makes up for it with hustle and sharp instincts. Fans in different cities have really taken to his all-out style.

Noteworthy Trades and Transactions

Gamel’s career has included some notable moves. After the Yankees traded him to Seattle, the Mariners later sent him to the Brewers in December 2018 for Domingo Santana.

His journey kept going with moves like:

• Milwaukee non-tendering him after 2020
• Signing with Cleveland for 2021
• Getting claimed off waivers by Pittsburgh in May 2021
• Signing with the Padres in 2023

Most recently, Gamel signed a minor league contract with the Tigers in March 2025, worth $1.2 million, right after Houston released him. That deal shows teams still value his experience and leadership.

Contract History and Financial Data

Ben Gamel’s baseball journey has taken him through several contract moves. His financial path mirrors the ups and downs of a versatile MLB role player.

Major Contract Signings and Negotiations

Gamel’s contract history says a lot about his resilience. After the Yankees drafted him in 2010, he signed his first pro deal with a modest bonus.

His first notable MLB contract came after Seattle acquired him. The Mariners controlled his early years with pre-arbitration deals.

After stops with the Brewers and Pirates, Gamel’s contracts reflected his utility outfielder status. In February 2025, he signed a one-year deal with the Houston Astros, but that stint ended quickly.

By March 26, 2025, after Houston released him, Gamel signed with the Tigers for $1.2 million on a minor league deal. That move gave him a chance to keep playing and brought Detroit a veteran outfielder for depth.

Salary Progression and Market Value

Gamel’s salary has gone up and down over his career, depending on his role and performance. He’s usually earned what you’d expect for a valuable fourth outfielder and occasional starter.

His current $1.2 million deal with Detroit is a step down from earlier paychecks, reflecting the market’s view as he gets older and his recent numbers. According to reports, Gamel’s net worth is about $6,149,019, built over several years in pro ball.

Gamel’s market value hit its peak with the Mariners and Brewers, when he showed he could defend and hit for contact. Teams have valued him for:

• Versatility in the outfield
• A lefty bat that gets on base
• Veteran presence in the clubhouse
• Affordable contracts

His latest deals show that teams now see him as depth, not a regular starter.

Annual Reports and Financial Insights

Gamel’s financial numbers tell the story of a solid MLB career—good earnings, but no mega-contracts. His highest annual salaries came during arbitration with Milwaukee and Pittsburgh.

The Spotrac contract tracker lays out his financial path:

Gamel’s earnings put him in baseball’s middle class—solid money by most standards, but not huge compared to the stars.

His current deal with Detroit includes incentives, so he could earn more if he gets significant big-league playing time.

Net Worth and Financial Portfolio

Ben Gamel has built up a nice chunk of wealth during his time in MLB. His financial portfolio includes his baseball salaries and likely some endorsements and investments.

Career Earnings and Salary Components

Gamel’s career earnings are the backbone of his financial picture. As of 2025, his net worth sits at around $6.15 million.

His MLB journey has taken him through several contracts, each adding to his overall wealth.

In 2025, Gamel is making a salary of $1.8 million, with no signing bonus counted in that number. His career earnings reflect his place as a steady outfielder.

Earlier in his career, Gamel played on smaller deals. At one point, he earned an average salary of $805,160, ranking #623 in MLB and #28 among left fielders.

His salary structure typically covers:

• Base pay
• Performance bonuses (when he qualifies)
• Playoff shares (if the team makes it)

Endorsements and Sponsorship Deals

Gamel isn’t as heavily marketed as some stars, but he’s probably picked up some modest endorsement deals over the years. These aren’t usually public, but as a known MLB player since being drafted by the Yankees in 2010, he’s had some chances.

Typical endorsement categories for players like Gamel include:

• Baseball gear companies
• Athletic apparel brands
• Regional businesses in cities where he’s played
• Sports nutrition products

These deals add a bit to his income, but they’re not a huge part of his overall earnings. Being from Neptune Beach, Florida, he probably gets more interest from brands in places where he’s spent a lot of time.

Investments and Other Financial Interests

Like most pros, Gamel likely works with financial advisors to manage his money. Details are private, but players at his level usually spread their investments around.

Common investment moves for MLB players include:

• Real estate
• Stock market
• Business ventures
• MLB-specific retirement accounts

With more than $6 million in career earnings, Gamel has had the chance to build a solid investment base. Athletes often invest in their hometowns or places they’ve played, so it wouldn’t be surprising if Gamel has something going in Florida, where he was born in Neptune Beach.

His market value has gone up and down over the years, which has shaped his earning potential both on and off the field.

Personal Life and Off-Field Activities

Ben Gamel tries to keep a balance between baseball and everything else in his life. Family, community service, and his own hobbies help him unwind when he’s not on the field.

Married Life and Family

Ben doesn’t share much about his private life, at least not compared to some other athletes. We don’t see many details about his marriage in public, but he definitely carves out time for family during the off-season.

Baseball runs in his family—his older brother Mat Gamel played for the Milwaukee Brewers. That kind of background really shaped how Ben approaches both the game and his own life.

In interviews, Ben sometimes talks about how much his family’s support means to him, especially when he’s facing tough stretches like switching teams or hitting a slump. He grew up in Neptune Beach, Florida, and usually heads back home there when the baseball season wraps up.

Community Involvement and Charitable Work

Ben jumps into different community outreach projects with his teams. While he played for the Pittsburgh Pirates, he got involved in their community initiatives and helped out with youth baseball programs.

He likes to keep his charitable work low-key and hands-on. Teammates have noticed he often joins hospital visits or youth clinics but doesn’t look for publicity.

Ben especially cares about getting baseball into the hands of kids who might not otherwise get the chance. He’s shown up at Bishop Kenny High School events to support his old school’s athletic programs.

Interests, Hobbies, and Vacations

During the off-season, Gamel loves getting outside. He picks activities that keep him moving but let him take a mental break from baseball’s grind.

Fishing? That’s one of his favorite ways to unwind. Makes sense for a guy who grew up by the water in coastal Florida.

You can’t really talk about Gamel without mentioning his long hair and beard. They’ve become his trademark, hinting at a laid-back vibe when he’s not on the field.

Funny thing is, that chill look stands in sharp contrast to how fiercely he plays.

When it comes to vacations, he doesn’t broadcast his plans. He usually keeps things quiet.

He’s said he likes spending winter days on Florida’s beaches, soaking up the sun.

Unlike some MLB players who post every trip online, Gamel mostly stays off the radar during his downtime.

He’s also into fitness that goes beyond the usual baseball workouts. People have noticed he tries out different training methods to keep himself in shape all year.