After attending spring training, Gamel began the 2016 season with Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.[6] The Yankees promoted Gamel to the major leagues on May 5,[7] and he made his major league debut as a defensive replacement on May 6.[8] He spent the majority of the 2016 season with Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, and won the International League Most Valuable Player Award.[9]
Seattle Mariners
On August 31, 2016, the Seattle Mariners acquired Gamel from the Yankees for minor league pitchers Jio Orozco and Juan De Paula.[10] In 2017, Gamel played in 134 contests for Seattle, slashing .275/.322/.413 with 11 home runs and 59 RBI over 509 at-bats. Gamel hit .272/.358/.370 with one homer and 19 RBI over 257 at-bats in 101 games for the Mariners in 2018.[11]
Milwaukee Brewers
On December 21, 2018, the Mariners traded Gamel and Noah Zavolas to the Milwaukee Brewers for Domingo Santana.[12] Gamel played in 134 games for the Brewers in 2019, slashing .248/.337/.373 with 7 home runs and 33 RBI over 311 at-bats.[13] In 2020, Gamel appeared in 40 contests, hitting .237/.315/.404 with 3 home runs and 10 RBI in 114 at-bats.[14] On December 2, 2020, Gamel was non tendered by the Brewers, making him a free agent.[15]
Cleveland Indians
On February 11, 2021, Gamel signed a minor league contract with the Cleveland Indians organization that included an invitation to Spring Training.[16] The Indians selected Gamel's contract on March 27.[17] Gamel was designated for assignment on May 5, after going 1–for–14 (.071) with no home runs or RBI in 11 games.[18]
Pittsburgh Pirates
On May 9, 2021, Gamel was claimed off waivers by the Pittsburgh Pirates.[19] In 111 games for the Pirates, Gamel batted .255/.352/.399 with 8 home runs and 26 RBI.
Tampa Bay Rays
On February 22, 2023, Gamel signed a minor league contract with the Tampa Bay Rays organization.[20] In 59 games for the Triple–A Durham Bulls, Gamel hit .276/.402/.463 with 8 home runs and 31 RBI.[21]
San Diego Padres
On July 13, 2023, Gamel was traded to the San Diego Padres.[22][23] In 18 games for the Triple–A El Paso Chihuahuas, he batted .314/.402/.600 with 5 home runs and 13 RBI. On August 14, the Padres selected Gamel's contract, adding him to the major league roster.[24] Gamel went 3–for–15 (.200) in 6 games for the Padres before he was designated for assignment on September 7.[25] He cleared waivers and was sent outright to El Paso on September 9.[26] However, Gamel rejected the assignment and instead elected free agency.[27]
New York Mets
On February 12, 2024, Gamel signed a minor league contract with the New York Mets.[28][29]In 45 games for the Triple–A Syracuse Mets, he batted .314/.423/.539 with seven home runs and 24 RBI. On June 25, the Mets selected Gamel's contract, adding him to their active roster to replace Starling Marte after he was placed on the injured list.[30][31] In 18 games for the Mets, Gamel hit .217/.400/.261 with no home runs, no RBI, and one stolen base. Upon Marte's return on August 18, Gamel was designated for assignment.[32]
Houston Astros
On August 20, 2024, the Houston Astros claimed Gamel off waivers from the Mets.[33]
Gamel made his Astros debut on August 22, collecting two hits and driving in two runs as the Astros defeated the Orioles, 6–0.[34] On September 17, the Astros placed Gamel on the 10-day IL with a fractured left fibula sustained after running into the outfield wall to make a catch in Anaheim. He slashed 259/.377/.362 over 20 games with the Astros.[35] Following the season, he elected free agency.[36]
Personal life
His brother, Mat Gamel, played Major League Baseball for the Milwaukee Brewers.[37] Ben Gamel and his wife, Lauren, had their first child, a daughter, in March 2022.[38]