Twins minor league catcher Derek Bender cut after tipping off opponent to pitches

The Twins released their sixth-round draft pick from July after they learned he informed opposing hitters what pitches were coming as his minor league team competed for a playoff berth, the Minnesota Star Tribune confirmed.

Derek Bender, a catcher from Coastal Carolina, lasted less than two months in the Twins organization after he received a $297,500 signing bonus. Playing for Class A Fort Myers, Bender’s team entered the last week of the regular season needing wins in three of its final six games to qualify for the Florida State League playoffs.

ESPN reported Fort Myers coaches were notified Bender tipped pitches after the game and that Bender told teammates he wanted the season to end. The Twins, who declined further comment, released Bender after an internal investigation.

“Derek Bender is one of my favorite teammates I’ve played with,” tweeted Payton Eeles, a Twins minor leaguer for the Class AAA St. Paul Saints who played with Bender in college. “He loved to win, period. We wouldn’t have won as much as we did without him. He made a mistake in life that many 21-year-olds do, and I understand the org’s decision. But nothing can change what I saw firsthand. Love ya Bendy.”

Bender batted .200 in 19 games with two homers, two doubles and eight RBI. ESPN reported Bender spent the final two games in the bullpen instead of the dugout.