Derek Bender was a standout catcher at Coastal Carolina when he hit 32 home runs and batted .326 for the Chanticleers in three collegiate seasons.
The Minnesota Twins selected Bender in the sixth round of the MLB Draft back in July, and he began playing in the Florida State League for the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels. But after 19 games, his time in the Twins’ farm system would have come to an end.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Derek Bender of Bourne reacts after hitting a Hyannis fly. (Ron Schloerb/Cape Cod Times/USA Today Network)
Bender was cut after it was discovered he told opposing hitters what kind of pitch was coming to the plate last week in a game that ended his team’s playoff hopes, It was reported by ESPN.
The loss came at the hands of the Lakeland Flying Tigers last week. Bender reportedly told the batters what specific spots were coming to the plate. Lakeland scored four runs in the second inning and won the game 6-0.
EX-YANKEES INFIELDER TYLER AUSTIN SUFFERING INJURY WITH JAPANESE CLUB
31 May 2024; Clemson, SC: Coastal Carolina junior Derek Bender (53) is congratulated by senior Corey Zientek (20) for scoring during the top of the second inning against Vanderbilt during the NCAA Clemson Regional baseball game at Doug Kingsmore Stadium. (Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Sports)
Bender reportedly told teammates he wanted the season over, and he spent the team’s final two games of the season in the bullpen.
The Twins and his agency declined to comment, according to ESPN.
Bourne’s Derek Bender celebrates after scoring his fourth run against Orleans on a hit by Sam Peterson. (Ron Schloerb/Cape Cod Times/USA Today Network)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Bender spent time at catcher and first base during the season. He appeared in 19 games and hit .200 with two home runs.
Follow Fox News Digital sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.