Some of the biggest surprises in baseball come when teams make tough roster decisions.
The Los Angeles Dodgers designated reliever Anthony Banda for assignment on Friday, despite winning back-to-back World Series rings with him. The move shocked fans who watched Banda contribute to two championship runs.
The 32-year-old left-hander had been a reliable presence in the Dodgers bullpen since joining the team in May 2024. His departure highlights the difficult choices teams face when managing their 40-man rosters.
Want to know why the Dodgers made this move? Keep reading to understand the full story behind this surprising decision.
The Numbers Behind Banda’s Dodgers Career
Banda posted solid regular-season numbers during his time in Los Angeles.
The southpaw finished the 2025 season with a 5-1 record and 3.19 ERA across 71 games. Over two years with the Dodgers, he compiled an 8-3 record with a 3.14 ERA in 119 appearances for the team.
He struck out 111 batters while walking 52 hitters in 114.2 innings during his Dodgers tenure. Those numbers represented the best sustained success of his nine-year major league career with seven different organizations.
The Catcher Who Cost Banda His Job
Ben Rortvedt’s return to Los Angeles triggered the roster move that ended Banda’s time with the team.
The Dodgers claimed backup catcher Ben Rortvedt off waivers from the Cincinnati Reds on Friday. Rortvedt had been with the Dodgers during their 2025 championship run before being lost on waivers in November.
The 28-year-old catcher proved valuable during September 2025 when both Will Smith and Dalton Rushing dealt with injuries. His defensive reliability and chemistry with Dodgers pitchers made him worth bringing back despite the cost.
Why Banda Became the Odd Man Out
The Dodgers faced a crowded bullpen situation when deciding who to designate for assignment.
Los Angeles has multiple left-handed relievers on their roster, including Tanner Scott and Alex Vesia ahead of Banda. Rookie Jack Dreyer still has minor league options remaining, while Banda does not.
The lack of options meant Banda would have to stay on the major league roster all season. Teams value roster flexibility highly, and players without options often become expendable regardless of their contributions.
Banda’s Postseason Performance Tells Two Different Stories
The left-hander experienced both triumph and struggle during his two playoff runs with the Dodgers.
Banda was excellent during the 2024 postseason, allowing just one run in eight innings as the Dodgers won the World Series. His steady presence gave manager Dave Roberts confidence in using him during crucial moments.
The 2025 playoffs proved more difficult for Banda as he struggled mightily against the Toronto Blue Jays. He allowed six earned runs in just three World Series innings without recording a single strikeout in four appearances.
The Financial Side of the Decision
Money played a role in the Dodgers’ choice to move on from Banda this offseason.
The Dodgers and Banda had recently agreed to a one-year contract worth $1.625 million to avoid arbitration. That salary represented an increase from the $1 million he earned during the 2025 season.
Teams claiming Banda off waivers would need to take on that entire salary commitment for 2026. The Dodgers may hope his contract price tag prevents other teams from claiming him off waivers.
What Comes Next for Anthony Banda
The veteran reliever has several possible paths forward after being designated for assignment.
Another team could claim Banda off waivers within 48 hours and add him to their 40-man roster. The Dodgers could also work out a trade, sending him elsewhere in exchange for cash or prospects.
If Banda clears waivers, he can either accept a minor league assignment or elect free agency. His track record suggests another team will likely claim him before he reaches that point.
How the Move Impacts the Dodgers Bullpen Depth
Los Angeles maintains strong relief pitching options despite losing a championship contributor.
The Dodgers still have quality left-handed relievers in their bullpen, including newly acquired Tanner Scott. Alex Vesia returns after helping the team win two straight titles as well.
Young arms like Jack Dreyer give the team additional depth and flexibility with minor league options. The front office clearly believes they have enough pieces to defend their championship without Banda.
The Bigger Picture of Roster Management
Teams constantly face difficult decisions when balancing loyalty against roster construction needs.
The Dodgers have designated several players for assignment this offseason including Andy Ibañez and Ryan Fitzgerald. Building a championship roster requires making tough choices even about players who contributed to winning.
Los Angeles demonstrated they will prioritize roster flexibility and depth over sentiment. That approach helped them win consecutive World Series titles and remains their philosophy moving forward.
TL;DR
- Dodgers designated Anthony Banda for assignment after two World Series championships with the team.
- The move came to clear roster space for backup catcher Ben Rortvedt claimed off waivers.
- Banda posted a 3.14 ERA over 119 games during two seasons in Los Angeles.
- Left hander struggled in the 2025 World Series, allowing six runs in three innings.
- The team has other left handed relievers ahead of Banda, including Tanner Scott and Alex Vesia.
- Banda lacks minor league options, making him less valuable for roster flexibility.
- Another team will likely claim the 32 year old pitcher off waivers soon.
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This article was made with AI assistance and human editing.
