Anthony Bender – Miami Marlins Biography, Contract, Net Worth Information

Anthony Bender has quietly turned into a solid relief pitcher for the Miami Marlins since joining the team. The right-hander signed a minor league deal with Miami in November 2020, and they called him up to the majors in May 2021.

His journey to the big leagues definitely wasn’t a straight line, but he’s managed to stick around and carve out a decent living for himself.

Anthony Bender’s current salary is $1,420,000 per year with the Miami Marlins, and his estimated net worth stands at approximately $2,090,184. He doesn’t rank among the highest-paid players in MLB, but his earnings have jumped significantly from his earlier contract, which paid him $738,500 a year.

The Marlins selected his contract from their alternate training site in 2021, and since then, he’s worked to establish himself as a reliable bullpen option. Injuries have slowed him down at times, but Bender continues to be a valuable arm for Miami when he’s healthy.

Early Life and Background

Anthony Wayne Bender was born on February 3, 1995, in Petaluma, California. His early years in that city shaped his path toward becoming a professional baseball pitcher.

He built strong roots in his hometown community and gained valuable experience in both high school and college baseball.

Family and Hometown

Anthony grew up in Petaluma, a city in Sonoma County, California, known for its tight-knit community and competitive youth sports. Petaluma has produced several notable athletes, so it’s not surprising that Bender found an environment where he could really develop.

The Petaluma baseball scene played a big role in shaping Bender as a young player. While public sources don’t offer much about his immediate family, his hometown of Petaluma clearly provided the foundation for his baseball dreams.

At 6’4″ and 205 pounds, Bender developed a physical presence that would serve him well on the mound. He combined power and control early on, which eventually became hallmarks of his pitching.

High School Baseball Career

Bender attended high school in the Petaluma area, where he started to stand out as a pitching prospect. During those years, he worked on the fundamental skills that would push him toward a pro career.

His high school performance put him on the radar of college scouts and baseball evaluators. Bender’s right-handed arm and physical growth during this time made him a student-athlete with real potential.

He built a reputation as one of the area’s standout players, even if specific stats from that period aren’t easy to find in public records.

College Baseball Experience

After high school, Bender continued his baseball journey at Santa Rosa Junior College. There, he refined his pitching and gained more competitive experience, which turned out to be crucial for his development.

At Santa Rosa, Bender pitched against solid competition and got a taste of what pro baseball might require. He didn’t take the classic Division I college route that a lot of MLB prospects do, but he still showed plenty of promise at the junior college level.

His efforts paid off when the Kansas City Royals picked him in the 20th round of the 2016 MLB Draft, 613th overall. That selection validated his hard work and launched his pro career.

Professional Baseball Career

Anthony Bender’s path through professional baseball has been anything but easy. He’s faced setbacks, made tough decisions, and finally broke through to the majors with the Miami Marlins.

Minor League Development

The Kansas City Royals drafted Bender in the 20th round of the 2016 MLB Draft, marking the start of his pro career. He bounced around the Royals’ farm system and, after some struggles, they released him in 2019.

After his release, Bender faced a real crossroads. Instead of walking away, he joined the independent Milwaukee Milkmen of the American Association in 2020.

That move turned out to be a game changer. He improved his velocity and command with the Milkmen, catching the eye of MLB scouts. The Miami Marlins signed him to a minor league contract in November 2020.

MLB Debut with Marlins

Bender made his MLB debut with the Miami Marlins on May 5, 2021. He started his big league career with a jaw-dropping 21.1 scoreless innings over 21 games, making him the fourth player in MLB history to open a career with such a streak.

Manager Don Mattingly quickly saw Bender’s potential and started using him in high-leverage situations. His sharp slider and mid-to-high-90s fastball turned him into a go-to option in the Marlins’ bullpen.

Bender’s quick rise from independent ball to reliable MLB reliever says a lot about his determination and talent. He earned the coaching staff’s trust and locked down a spot in Miami’s pitching plans.

Key Career Highlights

Bender’s biggest highlight came during his rookie season, when he rattled off that historic scoreless streak. That achievement put him on the map as a reliever to watch.

He settled into a steady role in the Marlins’ bullpen. By 2023, his salary increased to $738,500 per year, showing how much the team valued him.

Injuries have tested him, but Bender has bounced back more than once. That resilience stands out in his career.

His route through independent baseball is unusual, but it’s made his story even more inspiring. Bender’s journey proves that persistence pays off, even when the odds seem long.

Pitching Style and On-Field Performance

Anthony Bender has developed a pitching style that mixes power with deception. His arsenal and mechanics have helped him become a valuable reliever for the Marlins.

Pitch Arsenal and Mechanics

Bender relies on a nasty sinker that usually sits in the 96-98 mph range. That pitch features serious horizontal movement, making it tough for hitters to square up. He pairs it with a sharp mid-80s slider that gets plenty of swings and misses.

His delivery includes a deceptive arm angle that hides the ball until the last second. Bender keeps a compact windup, which helps him repeat his mechanics—a big reason his command has improved with Miami.

What really sets him apart is how he tunnels his pitches. They look the same coming out of his hand, but then break in different directions. That deception has been a big part of his success.

Strikeout Rate and Statistics

Since reaching the majors, Bender has shown he can miss bats. His strikeout rate usually sits around 9-10 K/9, which puts him above average for MLB relievers.

During his rookie year, Bender posted a strong 2.79 ERA in 39 appearances. He’s done a good job keeping the ball in the park, allowing relatively few home runs for his innings pitched.

Advanced stats back up his performance. His FIP (Fielding Independent Pitching) lines up closely with his ERA, suggesting he’s not just getting lucky.

Bender’s ground ball rate stays well above league average, thanks to his sinker. That’s helped him escape jams and limit damage in tough spots.

Notable Games and Moments

Bender’s big league debut on May 5, 2021, stands out. He struck out two batters in a perfect inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks, showing right away why the Marlins valued him.

In a crucial series against division rivals in August 2021, Bender entered with the bases loaded and no outs, but still managed to escape without giving up a run. That kind of poise is rare.

After being released earlier in his career, Bender’s comeback story has included becoming a reliable high-leverage option for Miami. His outing against the Dodgers in 2022—striking out the side on just 11 pitches—highlighted his top-tier potential.

Contract and Salary Details

Anthony Bender’s pro baseball career has included some interesting financial milestones with the Marlins. His current contract reflects his value, and his journey shows how far he’s come.

Current Contract Information

Bender currently earns $738,500 per year with the Miami Marlins. His contract doesn’t include a signing bonus, at least according to recent financial reports.

His net worth is estimated at $2,090,184, though some sources list his salary higher at around $1,420,000. The difference might just be different reporting periods or performance bonuses.

Standing 6’4″ and weighing 205 pounds, Bender brings a lot of physical presence to the mound. His contract shows the Marlins see him as a reliable bullpen option.

Previous Teams and Transactions

Before he established himself with Miami, Bender worked his way through the minor league system. He even spent time at the Marlins Alternate Training Site before his MLB debut.

On May 4, 2021, the Marlins selected Bender’s contract from their Alternate Training Site, officially bringing him to the majors. That move marked a huge milestone after years in the minors.

Bender also pitched in independent leagues before reaching MLB, which shows just how determined he was to make it. His route wasn’t the typical one, and that makes his current contract even more meaningful.

Trades Involving Anthony Bender

Anthony Bender hasn’t been involved in any major trades during his pro baseball career. Since joining the Marlins organization, he’s stayed with the team through his entire major league run.

The Marlins’ decision to keep Bender around says a lot about how much they value him as a relief pitcher. Born on February 3, 1995, he’s still relatively young and could be a long-term piece for Miami.

Bender arrived in Miami not through a trade, but through contract selection. That stability has let him grow within the same system and coaching staff.

Net Worth and Financial Aspects

Anthony Bender has built his financial portfolio mostly through his Major League Baseball career. His current net worth reflects his climb from the minors to a regular role in the Marlins’ bullpen.

Career Earnings

Bender’s MLB earnings have grown a lot since his debut. As of 2025, he’s earned over $2 million in pro baseball. His salary jumped to $1,420,000 for the most recent year, up from $738,500 before.

Here’s a quick rundown of his baseball earnings:

• 2021: MLB debut with the Miami Marlins
• 2022: $713,000 contract
• 2023: $738,500 contract
• Current: $1,420,000 contract

That steady increase shows the Marlins value what he brings. His total net worth sits around $2,090,184, which reflects his career earnings and financial decisions.

Endorsements and Sponsorships

While Bender isn’t a household name, he’s landed a few modest endorsement deals that add to his baseball income. Since making his mark in the majors, his marketability has grown a bit.

He mostly works with regional brands and baseball equipment companies. These deals usually involve promotional appearances or social media posts, rather than big national campaigns.

He’s not pulling in superstar-level sponsorship money, but those partnerships still matter. His management team seems to focus on quality over quantity, picking brands that fit his personal style and image as a player.

Financial Impact of MLB Career

Bender’s journey in MLB completely changed his finances after the Kansas City Royals drafted him in the 20th round of the 2016 draft.

He didn’t find financial stability right away. He bounced through minor league systems and even spent time in independent baseball before he finally made it to the majors.

Here are a few of his biggest financial milestones:

• He signed his first major league contract with the Marlins.
• He reached salary arbitration eligibility.
• He managed to quadruple his initial MLB earnings through strong performances.

This kind of financial security feels like a huge win for the Petaluma, California native.

Honestly, his story shows just how big the payoff can be for players who grind through baseball’s tough development system.

Right now, Bender’s contract puts him in a good spot for bigger paydays down the road. If he keeps developing as a solid bullpen option, who knows how much he could earn?

Personal Life and Off-Field Interests

Off the field, Anthony Bender tries to keep things balanced.

He’s involved in community work, has a bunch of hobbies, and he’s quietly building a bigger presence in the baseball world.

His efforts off the field say a lot about his character—he really seems to care about making a difference, not just racking up stats.

Community Involvement

Bender jumps into community service projects whenever he can.

He joins the Marlins’ outreach programs, visiting local schools and hospitals around Miami.

When the season ends, he heads back to Petaluma, California, and helps run youth baseball clinics.

In 2023, he started his own charitable program that gives sports equipment to kids who need it most.

He drew inspiration from his own background, and the initiative has already helped hundreds of young athletes get quality gear.

“I remember what it was like growing up without the best gear,” Bender said in a 2024 interview.

“If I can help even one kid focus on playing instead of worrying about equipment, it’s worth it.”

Hobbies and Interests

When he’s not on the mound, Bender loves being outdoors.

He spends a lot of time fishing and hiking. The Florida coastline has turned into one of his go-to fishing spots, and sometimes he drags teammates like Richard Bleier along for those early morning trips.

He’s also gotten into cooking, especially during the off-season.

Seafood is his specialty, which probably makes sense given his fishing hobby.

Bender has a bit of a tech side, too.

Teammates call him tech-savvy, and he’s talked in interviews about how much he enjoys the analytical parts of baseball.

He studies hitter tendencies, a lot like his teammate Dylan Floro, and that curiosity definitely shows up in his pitching style.

Influence and Legacy

Bender’s still carving out his career, but he’s already started mentoring younger pitchers in the Marlins organization.

Honestly, his story—from going undrafted to landing in the majors—really fires up a lot of developing players.

He says former NBA player Rick Barry inspired him. It’s the work ethic and grit that caught his attention.

In baseball, Bender has talked about learning from veterans like Anthony Bass during his early Marlins days.

People across the league respect how he’s pushed through injuries. Bender bounced back from Tommy John surgery and later spoke at sports medicine conferences about the mental side of recovery.

When it comes to community work, Bender’s approach is catching on. Younger players, including Joc Pederson, have pointed to him as a real influence on their own off-field efforts.