Minnesota Twins release minor league catcher for intentionally tipping pitches: Source

Minnesota Twins minor-league catcher Derek Bender was released by the team Thursday for intentionally tipping pitches to opposing batters in a game that led to his Low-A affiliate being eliminated from playoff contention, a team source confirmed.

The 21-year-old Bender, playing for the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels, revealed to Lakeland Flying Tigers hitters which pitches starter Ross Dunn was about to throw. ESPN reported that Bender “had told teammates he wanted the season to be over.”

Lakeland capitalized, scoring four runs in the second inning and winning 6-0, clinching the Florida State League West division title and eliminating the Mighty Mussels, who had a six-game lead three weeks before.

Regarded as a bat-first catcher likely destined to wind up at first base or designated hitter, Bender fell to the Twins in the sixth round (No. 188) after being ranked as a consensus top-100 draft prospect. He signed for a slightly below-slot bonus of $297,500.

Bender hit .326/.408/.571 with 32 homers in 144 college games over three years at Coastal Carolina, showing big right-handed power as part of an aggressive overall approach at the plate. Several public draft analysts highlighted him as a good value pick for the Twins based on his offensive upside as a mid-round selection.

He mostly struggled in his 19-game professional debut for Low-A Fort Myers, hitting just .200/.273/.333 with two homers and a poor 20-to-5 strikeout-to-walk ratio while already seeing more action at first base than catcher. Bender likely would have started next season back in Fort Myers or at High-A Cedar Rapids. 

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