Twins cut draft pick because they predicted incoming pitches to opposing batters in crucial game

The Minnesota Twins are reportedly giving up a 2024 draft pick after just a few months in their organization.

ESPN's Kiley McDaniel and Jeff Passan reported Thursday that the Twins released minor league catcher Derek Bender after he told opposing batters what type of pitch was coming to the plate during a game that knocked his team out of contention for the Florida State League.

The Fort Myers Mighty Mussels, the Twins' Low-A affiliate, were batting against the Lakeland Flying Tigers in the second game of a doubleheader on September 6 when Bender told several opposing batters the exact pitch that was coming. The Flying Tigers scored four runs in the second inning and won the game 6-0, knocking the Mighty Mussels out of the playoff race.

The Fort Myers coaches were informed by the Lakeland coaches after the game of Bender's self-inflicted pitch tipping.

ESPN also reported that Bender “had told his teammates he wanted to finish the season.”

Bender, selected by Minnesota in the sixth round (No. 188) out of Coastal Carolina, hit .200/.273/.333 in 19 games for Fort Myers this season. In his final collegiate season, he hit .320/.422/.520 with 11 home runs and 63 RBIs in 60 games for the Chanticleers.