The ascent of reliever Anthony Bender was one of the few on the 2021 Miami Marlins.
The right-hander toiled through the Royals and Brewers’ development systems in his early professional career, compiling a 3.30 ERA over 239 2/3 innings while striking out less than an inning on average (7.4).
Due to the COVID-19 epidemic, there was no minor league season in 2020, hence Bender was forced to play independent baseball with the Milwaukee Milkmen.
To be honest, not much about his output suggested a change in direction for his career. However, it was clear that Bender had extraordinary abilities the moment he arrived at Marlins camp the next spring.
In 60 games, the rookie went on to record a 2.79 ERA and 10.4 K/9. Bender pitched with an average leverage index (aLI) of 1.33 in 2021, and he not only prevented runs 50% better than the league average.
He made his debut on May 5 and had 21 2/3 stellar innings to start his career before giving up his first earned run on June 29.
Bender’s powerful sinker and little-used four-seamer (1.2%) put him in the 93rd percentile of MLB qualifiers for average fastball velocity.
During his debut appearance on The Show, those high-90s weapons produced a run value of minus 3.
However, his slider stood out as his most effective tool, restricting batters to a.162 BAA and a 43.6 percent K rate. 112 pitchers with at least 100 plate appearances, all of whom used a slider,
Anthony Bender Contract
The Miami Marlins and Anthony Bender agreed to a one-year, $713,000 contract, including a $713,000 guarantee.
Anthony Bender Salary
Anthony Bender receives a salary of $713,000 on average annually. Bender will have a base salary of $713,000 in 2022.
Anthony Bender Net Worth
Anthony Bender has a net worth estimation of $500,000