Ben Lively

Edward Bennett Lively Bio

Edward Bennett Lively is an American professional baseball pitcher who has spent parts of seven seasons in Major League Baseball with four different franchises. Born in Pensacola, Florida, Lively developed his pitching skills under the guidance of his grandfather, Jim Lively, who coached him throughout his youth baseball career. He has competed at the highest levels of American baseball while also gaining international experience in South Korea’s KBO League. Lively currently plays in the Cleveland Guardians organization after signing a two-year minor league contract in February 2026. His career has been marked by resilience, having overcome injuries and multiple organization changes to remain a productive professional pitcher.

Early Life and Background

Edward Bennett Lively was born on March 5, 1992, in Pensacola, Florida, to parents Edward and Ginny Lively. He began playing organized baseball at the remarkable age of 4 in the Tee-ball league. His early talent was evident enough that he was permitted to join a year ahead of the typical age requirement. His grandfather, Jim Lively, served as his coach throughout his childhood and was the commissioner of the local league, providing Lively with a strong foundation in the sport from an early age.

Lively attended Gulf Breeze High School in Florida, where he developed into a notable baseball prospect. His performance on the high school diamond attracted attention from Major League Baseball scouts. The Cleveland Indians recognized his potential and selected him in the 26th round of the 2010 MLB Draft, though he chose not to sign and instead pursued higher education at the collegiate level.

Path to Professional Baseball

After being drafted out of high school, Lively enrolled at the University of Central Florida, where he played for the UCF Knights baseball team from 2010 to 2013. Over three seasons as a starting pitcher, he established himself as one of the more dominant collegiate arms in the country. He compiled an impressive 21-8 win-loss record with a 3.06 earned run average and 226 strikeouts across 244 innings pitched.

Following his sophomore season in 2012, Lively continued his development during the summer months by playing in the Cape Cod Baseball League for the Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox, one of the premier collegiate summer leagues in the United States. His strong performance in college convinced MLB teams he was worth investing in, and the Cincinnati Reds selected him in the fourth round of the 2013 MLB Draft.

Edward Bennett Lively Career

Minor League Development (2013–2016)

Upon joining the Reds organization, Lively began his professional career with the Billings Mustangs in the Pioneer League. He made one start with the Dayton Dragons before concluding his debut professional season with a remarkable 0-4 win-loss record accompanied by an outstanding 0.88 ERA and 56 strikeouts in 41 innings pitched. The following season, he advanced to the Bakersfield Blaze in the California League.

The 2014 season proved to be a breakthrough for Lively as he dominated opposing hitters at both Bakersfield and Double-A Pensacola Blue Wahoos. He posted a 13-7 record with a 3.04 ERA, earning recognition as the top prospect in the entire Reds farm system. This performance established him as one of baseball’s most promising young pitching prospects.

Philadelphia Phillies Era (2017–2018)

On December 31, 2014, the Reds traded Lively to the Philadelphia Phillies in exchange for outfielder Marlon Byrd. Lively spent the next two seasons continuing his development within Philadelphia’s farm system. In 2015, he went 8-7 with a 4.13 ERA in 25 games with the Double-A Reading Fightin Phils. He began 2016 with Reading before earning a promotion to Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs, where his outstanding performance earned him the prestigious Paul Owens Award as the best pitcher in the Phillies organization.

The Phillies added Lively to their 40-man roster following the 2016 season, protecting him from the Rule 5 Draft. He reported to Lehigh Valley to begin the 2017 campaign, and his strong work ethic and consistency earned him a major league call-up. On June 3, 2017, Lively made his MLB debut with the Phillies against the San Francisco Giants, allowing one run on four hits while earning his first major league victory. He collected his first career RBI on June 24 against the Arizona Diamondbacks, hitting a two-run home run. Lively finished his rookie season with a 4-7 record and 4.26 ERA in 15 major league appearances.

In 2018, Lively struggled significantly, appearing in only five games for Philadelphia before being designated for assignment on September 3. He posted an 0-2 record with a 6.85 ERA during this difficult stretch.

Kansas City Royals and Arizona Diamondbacks (2018–2019)

Two days after being designated for assignment, Lively was claimed off waivers by the Kansas City Royals on September 5, 2018. He recorded an impressive 1.35 ERA in 6.2 innings of work for Kansas City to close the season. He was assigned to Triple-A Omaha Storm Chasers to begin 2019 but was designated for assignment again on June 20 following the promotion of Humberto Arteaga.

Lively appeared in only one inning for the Royals during the 2019 season. On June 22, 2019, he was traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks for cash considerations and assigned to Triple-A Reno Aces, where he recorded a 5.04 ERA in seven appearances.

Samsung Lions, KBO League (2019–2021)

On August 7, 2019, Lively departed the Diamondbacks organization to sign with the Samsung Lions of the KBO League in South Korea. This move allowed him to continue his professional career while gaining valuable international experience. In his first season with Samsung, Lively posted a 4-4 record with a 3.95 ERA, demonstrating his ability to adapt to a new league and culture. He re-signed with the Lions for the 2020 season on a $700,000 contract.

During the 2020 season, Lively appeared in 21 games, compiling a 6-7 record with a 4.26 ERA. His 2021 season was cut short when he made only six appearances before being released on June 1 after being diagnosed with a shoulder injury. Despite the injury setback, his time in Korea provided him with meaningful game experience and the opportunity to refine his craft.

Cincinnati Reds Second Stint (2022–2023)

On January 6, 2022, Lively signed a minor league contract with the Cincinnati Reds, returning to the organization that originally drafted him. He spent the entire 2022 season with Triple-A Louisville Bats, making 18 starts and posting a 2-5 record with a 4.09 ERA and 79 strikeouts in 77 innings. He elected free agency following the season but quickly re-signed with Cincinnati on a new minor league contract on November 19, 2022.

Lively reported to Triple-A Louisville to begin the 2023 season and performed exceptionally well, posting a 4-0 record and 2.33 ERA with 16 strikeouts in just five games. His strong performance earned him a contract selection to the active roster on May 9, 2023. He made his first start on May 20 against the New York Yankees, allowing just 2 runs on 2 hits with a career-high 8 strikeouts in 5.2 innings pitched. Despite some rough outings, including a start against the Chicago Cubs where he allowed 13 runs on 13 hits, Lively finished the season with a 4-7 record and 5.38 ERA in 19 total games including 12 starts. The Reds removed him from the 40-man roster following the season, and he elected free agency on November 6.

Cleveland Guardians Era (2024–2025)

On December 12, 2023, Lively signed a major league contract with the Cleveland Guardians, providing him with an opportunity to restart his MLB career with a new organization. He started 29 total games during the 2024 season, delivering a solid performance with a 3.81 ERA and 118 strikeouts across 151 innings pitched. His consistency helped anchor the Guardians’ rotation throughout the season.

In November 2024, Lively signed a one-year, $2.25 million contract with Cleveland to avoid arbitration. He unexpectedly earned the Opening Day start for the Guardians when planned starter Tanner Bibee became unavailable due to acute gastroenteritis. Lively responded by allowing three runs and four hits in five innings of work. Through his first nine starts of the 2025 season, he posted a 2-2 record with a 3.22 ERA and 29 strikeouts across 44.2 innings. However, his season took a dramatic turn on May 23, 2025, when it was announced he would undergo Tommy John surgery and flexor tendon repair, ending his campaign. On November 6, 2025, the Guardians removed Lively from their 40-man roster and sent him outright to Triple-A Columbus Clippers. He rejected the assignment and elected free agency.

Pitching Style and Strengths

Lively has developed into a reliable starting pitcher capable of logging heavy innings throughout a season. His ability to work efficiently with his defense and generate ground-ball outs has made him valuable to multiple organizations. He has shown the capacity to pitch through adversity and battle through difficult innings, demonstrated by his willingness to work deep into games despite occasionally elevated pitch counts. His experience in both MLB and the KBO League has broadened his approach to different hitter tendencies and game situations.

Notable Events and Milestones

Several moments stand out in Lively’s career trajectory. His MLB debut on June 3, 2017, resulted in his first major league victory against a competitive San Francisco Giants lineup. The 2014 season when he was named the top prospect in the Reds organization marked his emergence as a legitimate major league talent. His unexpected Opening Day start for the Guardians in 2025 demonstrated the trust his coaches placed in his professionalism and preparation. His career-high 8 strikeouts against the New York Yankees in May 2023 showcased his ability to perform on the biggest stages.

Edward Bennett Lively Career Wins

Throughout his professional career spanning MLB and KBO competition, Lively has accumulated significant winning experience across multiple leagues. His career win totals reflect his consistent ability to give his teams quality starts and competitive performances over extended seasons.

Major League Baseball Highlights

Across parts of six MLB seasons with the Philadelphia Phillies, Kansas City Royals, Cincinnati Reds, and Cleveland Guardians, Lively has compiled a 23-29 win-loss record with a 4.38 earned run average and 306 strikeouts in 438.1 innings pitched. His 2017 rookie season with the Phillies produced his first major league wins, including a debut victory that will remain a career highlight. His 2024 season with the Guardians represented one of his most productive MLB campaigns, as he went 3-2 with a 3.81 ERA while serving as a reliable mid-rotation starter.

KBO League and Other Performances

While competing in South Korea with the Samsung Lions from 2019 to 2021, Lively accumulated a 10-12 win-loss record with a 4.14 ERA and 191 strikeouts across 165.2 innings. His first season with Samsung produced a 4-4 record with a 3.95 ERA, demonstrating his ability to adapt quickly to international baseball. His combined professional record across all leagues reflects a pitcher who has consistently competed at high levels across diverse baseball environments.

Edward Bennett Lively Family

Family Background and Racing Lineage

While baseball runs through the Lively family, Edward Bennett Lively’s connection to the sport began through his grandfather, Jim Lively. His grandfather served as the commissioner of their local Tee-ball league and coached Ben throughout his childhood, providing the foundation for his eventual professional career. This family involvement in baseball created an environment where young Ben could develop his skills from an early age with knowledgeable guidance readily available.

Personal Life

Edward Bennett Lively was born to Edward Lively and Ginny Lively in Pensacola, Florida, where he grew up and attended Gulf Breeze High School. His family support system played a significant role in his development as a player, with his grandfather’s coaching influence proving particularly formative. Beyond baseball, Lively has maintained connections to his Florida roots throughout his professional career.

2025 Season Performance

The 2025 season began with significant promise for Lively as he looked to build upon his solid 2024 campaign with the Cleveland Guardians. Signed to a $2.25 million one-year contract, he entered spring training competing for a spot in the Guardians’ rotation. An unexpected opportunity arose when planned Opening Day starter Tanner Bibee fell ill with acute gastroenteritis, thrusting Lively into the marquee role to begin the season.

Lively responded professionally, allowing three runs and four hits across five innings in his Opening Day assignment. Through his first nine starts of the season, he posted a 2-2 record with an impressive 3.22 ERA and 29 strikeouts in 44.2 innings pitched. His performance placed him among the Guardians’ most reliable starters during this stretch. However, the season took a devastating turn on May 23, 2025, when it was announced that Lively would require Tommy John surgery and flexor tendon repair, prematurely ending his campaign and ruling him out for the remainder of the year. Following the season, the Guardians removed him from their 40-man roster and outrighted him to Triple-A Columbus, though he rejected the assignment and elected free agency. Despite this setback, Lively demonstrated his resilience by agreeing to re-sign with the Guardians organization on a two-year minor league contract in February 2026, signaling his intent to return to competition following his recovery.