Bender was drafted with 613th pick in the 20th round of the 2016 MLB draft by the Kansas City Royals out of Santa Rosa Junior College.[1] Bender made his professional debut for the Rookie League Arizona League Royals. He split the 2017 season between the Class ALexington Legends, and the Class A-AdvancedWilmington Blue Rocks, recording a cumulative 5–6 record and 3.96 ERA. He spent the entire 2018 season in Wilmington, recording a 3.57 ERA and 6–3 record in 30 appearances.[1] On March 21, 2019, Bender was released by the Royals.[2]
On November 30, 2020, Bender signed a minor league contract with the Miami Marlins organization.[8] On May 4, 2021, Bender was selected to the 40-man roster and promoted to the major leagues for the first time.[9][10] He made his debut the next day, pitching a scoreless inning of relief. In the game, he notched his first MLB strikeout, punching out Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Tim Locastro. He did not allow an earned run until his 22nd appearance in the majors.[11] He finished his rookie campaign with a 3–2 record and 2.79 ERA with 71 strikeouts across 60 appearances.
In 2022, Bender pitched in 22 games for Miami, recording a 1–3 record and 3.26 ERA with 17 strikeouts and 6 saves in 19.1 innings of work. He was placed on the injured list in August with a right elbow strain. On August 30, 2022, Bender underwent Tommy John surgery, ending his 2022 season and 2023 seasons.[12]