Kris Benson has decided to retire. The Pirates drafted Benson with the No. 1 overall pick in 1996 out of Clemson. "I'm done," Benson, 36, told FOX Sports. "I decided pretty much after this past season that I wasn't going to pursue anything. I've been putting way too much into it and not getting enough out of it, as far as the rehab, working out, training, and then not getting the type of results I expect from myself. "I wanted to make this decision now, rather than go into another season on another minor-league deal. I didn't want to go through the head games of, 'Am I going to make the team?' I don't mind the pressure. I just don?t want to fall into another situation like I had the last couple years, where I busted my tail getting back and then got hurt again shortly after I made the team."