The Minnesota Twins released minor-league catcher Derek Bender on Thursday for intentionally tipping pitches to opposing batters during a crucial game that cost his team a playoff spot, according to a source confirmed by The Athletic.
Bender, 21, played for the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels, the Twins’ Low-A affiliate. In a stunning breach of sportsmanship, he disclosed to the Lakeland Flying Tigers which pitches starting pitcher Ross Dunn was about to throw. This behavior led to Lakeland scoring four runs in the second inning and ultimately winning the game 6-0. The victory allowed Lakeland to clinch the Florida State League West division title, eliminating Fort Myers from playoff contention. ESPN reported that Bender admitted to his teammates that he “wanted the season to be over,” explaining his motive for sabotaging his own team.
Fort Myers had held a comfortable six-game lead in the division just three weeks before, but Bender’s actions in this final stretch contributed to their collapse. The incident has sent shockwaves through the organization, given how rare and damaging this kind of unsportsmanlike conduct is.
Bender was drafted by the Twins in the sixth round of the 2023 MLB Draft, picked 188th overall, after being ranked as a top-100 draft prospect by various scouting outlets. Known for his offensive potential, Bender signed with the Twins for a slightly below-slot bonus of $297,500. Despite his promise as a hitter, his actions on the field and poor performance in his first professional season likely contributed to the decision to cut ties.
At Coastal Carolina University, Bender had a standout college career, hitting .326/.408/.571 with 32 home runs in 144 games. His right-handed power and aggressive plate approach made him a desirable prospect, and he was seen as a “bat-first” catcher, likely to transition to first base or designated hitter in the future. Public draft analysts viewed him as a solid value pick for the Twins due to his offensive upside as a mid-round selection.
However, Bender struggled in his short stint with the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels. In 19 games, he managed just a .200/.273/.333 batting line, with two home runs and a 20-to-5 strikeout-to-walk ratio. Additionally, he saw more time at first base than behind the plate, raising questions about his long-term defensive future as a catcher.
While Bender was likely slated to start the 2024 season either back in Fort Myers or with High-A Cedar Rapids, his intentional tipping of pitches and overall lack of success at the professional level led the Twins to make the decision to release him. His behavior not only undermined his team’s playoff hopes but also cast a shadow on his career prospects in professional baseball.
The Twins’ front office, known for placing a strong emphasis on organizational culture, likely saw Bender’s actions as a violation of the trust that is essential for a cohesive and successful team. His release sends a clear message that integrity and professionalism are non-negotiable, regardless of a player’s talent or potential.
Incidents like these are exceedingly rare in professional sports, and the repercussions for Bender could be long-lasting. While he may still have a chance to pursue a career with another organization, rebuilding his reputation will be a significant challenge. For now, the Twins have made their stance clear: team loyalty and commitment to winning are paramount, and actions that compromise those values will not be tolerated.
This incident also serves as a cautionary tale for other athletes about the importance of professionalism and the consequences of undermining team efforts.
