The Minnesota Twins had a dramatic turn of events in their minor league system. On Thursday, the team released catcher Derek Bender, a sixth-round draft pick out of Coastal Carolina, after an incident that left everyone buzzing. Bender, who had been playing for the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels, the Twins’ Single-A affiliate, was caught in a high-stakes controversy during a crucial game. In the second game of a doubleheader, with the playoffs on the line, Bender reportedly had told the opposing hitters about the types of pitches to be thrown by the Mighty Mussels’ starter, Ross Dunn. The result? The Flying Tigers capitalized on this insider info, ultimately eliminating the Mighty Mussels from playoff contention. Bender’s release also marked a dramatic end to his short-lived career with the Twins.

 On September 6, the second game of the doubleheader saw a controversial twist that fans will be buzzing about for a while. According to ESPN, sources have said that during the game, Bender had given tipping pitches from pitcher Ross Dunn to the Lakeland Flying Tigers hitters. This sneaky strategy proved to be a game-changer. By the second inning, the Lakeland Flying Tigers had capitalized on this intel, racking up four runs and ultimately cruising to a 6-0 victory. This win was a key triumph that propelled them to clinch the Florida State League West division title. Meanwhile, the Fort Myers team was left to rue their missed opportunity, having squandered a once-comfortable six-game division lead in the season’s nail-biting final weeks.    

After the game, Lakeland coaches informed their Fort Myers counterparts about Bender’s pitch-tipping. ESPN sources reported that there was no evidence the Flying Tigers’ batters were aware of Bender’s actions, nor were there any deliberate attempts to steal signs. Bender, apparently feeling the pressure of the situation, told his teammates that he wanted the season to be over. As a result, Fort Myers decided to remove him from the dugout for the final two games of the season, sending him to the bullpen instead. The season, already marked by Fort Myers’ faltering lead, ended on a contentious note. Neither Bender, his agent, nor the Twins made any public comments about the situation. 

Derek Bender’s rise, potential fall, and uncertain future

Over his three years at Coastal Carolina, Bender boasted a .326 batting average and an eye-popping .979 OPS. In 144 games, he blasted 32 homers, racked up 153 RBIs, and added 22 doubles to his impressive tally. Bender’s speed wasn’t to be overlooked either, as he swiped 12 bases during his college career. Bender also took his talents to the Coastal Plain League and the Cape Cod League. After a modest debut in 2022 at Coastal Carolina, where he appeared in just 22 games, he truly found his stride in 2023. He launched 19 home runs in the spring and continued his impressive performance with a standout summer stint in the Cape Cod League. Over his three years with Coastal Carolina, Bender delivered a stellar slash line of .326/.408/.570.

His power was evident with 32 home runs, and he managed to keep his strikeout rate at a respectable 15.4%, while also showing patience at the plate with a 9.1% walk rate. Bender stands out with his robust 6-foot-1, 235-pound frame, a classic power hitter’s build that allows him to drive the ball out of the park to all fields. His swing is surprisingly compact and efficient, a testament to his raw strength rather than sheer bat speed. This strength is a key asset, helping him launch impressive home runs. However, Bender’s aggressive approach at the plate comes with its challenges. This spring, he chased pitches out of the zone 31% of the time, highlighting his penchant for swinging at tough pitches.

Additionally, there are concerns about his ability to consistently handle high-velocity pitching, raising questions about whether his blend of hit and power will transition effectively to professional baseball. Bender’s versatility behind the plate in college has been a notable aspect of his game, but most scouts project he’ll eventually transition to first base. Bender’s role in the pitch-tipping scandal has come at a steep price: his future in the Minnesota farm system. The fallout from his actions has not only cost him his spot with the Twins’ organization but also left a lasting mark on his reputation.

Knowing he cheated against his own team, Bender now faces an uphill battle to rebuild his standing and secure another opportunity in the league. The scandal has cast a long shadow over his career, making it uncertain whether he’ll be able to recover and make a comeback in professional baseball.