The Minnesota Twins have released minor league catcher Derek Bender on Thursday amid a scandal that involved him telling the opposing hitters what types of pitches were coming during a game that had playoff implications.
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Evidently, this took place in the second game of a doubleheader on September 6, in which Bender's team, the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels (Twins' Single-A affiliate), lost to the Lakeland Flying Tigers. Reportedly, each hitter that came to the plate was tipped off to the exact pitch that starter Ross Dunn was throwing (fastball or off speed pitch), which for those who don't know is a huge competitive advantage in baseball.
As a result of losing 6-0, the Mussels were eliminated from playoff contention, after holding a six-game lead in the division three weeks ago, so the Tigers have now clinched the Florida State League West division.
Twins minor league catcher Derek Bender pulled one of the worst teammate moves ever.
Plouffe: “I don’t condone this very often… That’s fightin’ stuff right there” pic.twitter.com/tgsiYj4niG
— Chris Rose Sports (@ChrisRoseSports) September 13, 2024
Derek Bender when he has a chance to knock his team out of playoff contention. https://t.co/i3aOijFq66 pic.twitter.com/2xN0UT6BtE
— Todd Van Steensel (@toddvs35) September 13, 2024
The Fort Myers coaches were notified about this by the Lakeland coaches following the game. Bender's motive for the seemingly illogical behavior of helping out the other team is apparently because he wanted the season to be over with, as he mentioned this to teammates, according to sources (per ESPN).
*Derek Bender gets drafted*
Also Derek Bender: https://t.co/8gCydaf9Jd pic.twitter.com/UjpAtYnRzy
— Marissa Voss™ (@marissavoss) September 13, 2024
Bender, at 21 years old, signed a $297,500 contract after being selected with the 188th pick (sixth round) in the 2024 MLB Draft. To note, even though he was released, Bender will get to keep the full amount of his signing bonus.
The Chant is Twin City bound✈️
The Minnesota Twins select Derek Bender with the #188th overall pick in the 2024 MLB draft#SELFLESS #RELENTLESS #TEALNATION I #MLBDRAFT pic.twitter.com/WU11OSxxDI
— Coastal Baseball (@CoastalBaseball) July 15, 2024
In view of his on-the-field play, he appeared in 19 games for Fort Myers this season and had a .200 batting average, to go with two home runs and eight RBI's. While playing at Coastal Carolina, Bender hit .326, had 32 home runs, and 143 RBI's in 144 games.
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