Twins Trade for Veteran Reliever Anthony Banda from Dodgers
In a move to deepen their pitching staff ahead of the 2024 season, the Minnesota Twins have acquired left-handed reliever Anthony Banda from the Los Angeles Dodgers. The trade, announced on Thursday, sees the Twins sending international bonus pool money to the Dodgers in exchange for the 30-year-old southpaw. This acquisition marks another step in Minnesota's aggressive offseason strategy to fortify their bullpen, which played a crucial role in their playoff push last year.
Trade Details and Roster Implications
The Twins' front office wasted no time integrating Banda into their plans. To accommodate him on the 40-man roster, right-hander Jackson Kowar was designated for assignment. Kowar, a former top prospect who has struggled with injuries and inconsistencies, now faces an uncertain future as teams scour the waiver wire.
This isn't an isolated transaction for the Dodgers either. They had recently designated Banda for assignment to make room for catcher Ben Rortvedt, who was claimed off waivers from the Cincinnati Reds—only for Rortvedt to be DFA'd again shortly after. The Dodgers, perennial contenders, continue to tweak their roster for optimal flexibility, but losing Banda's reliable arm is a notable departure from their championship core.
Why Banda Fits the Twins' Puzzle
Banda's addition is the fourth veteran reliever Minnesota has brought in over the past few weeks, signaling a clear intent to overhaul their late-inning options. Earlier this month, the Twins signed former All-Star Taylor Rogers to a one-year deal on January 23. Just this week, they inked Minor League contracts with Liam Hendriks—recovering from elbow surgery—and Julian Merryweather, both of whom bring high-upside potential to the fold.
For a Twins team that leaned heavily on closer Jhoan Duran and setup man Griffin Jax in 2023, Banda provides much-needed lefty depth. His ability to handle high-leverage situations could alleviate pressure on the rotation, especially with injuries plaguing starters like Pablo López and Joe Ryan in recent seasons. Analysts see this as a low-risk, high-reward move, given Banda's proven track record in pressure-packed environments.
Banda's Journey: From Prospect to World Series Winner
Anthony Banda's path to the majors has been anything but straightforward, embodying the resilience required in professional baseball. Drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the third round of the 2012 MLB Draft out of high school in Texas, Banda debuted with the D-backs in 2017. However, his early big-league stints were rocky, posting a 5.69 ERA across 90 appearances (six starts) with teams like the Tampa Bay Rays, New York Mets, Pittsburgh Pirates, Toronto Blue Jays, New York Yankees, and Washington Nationals.
Banda's nomadic career saw him join 13 different organizations before landing with the Dodgers in 2022—a testament to his perseverance. He spent time in the systems of the Milwaukee Brewers, San Francisco Giants, Seattle Mariners, and Cleveland Guardians without making an MLB appearance for any of them. Trades became a recurring theme, with this latest deal marking his seventh in professional baseball.
A Turnaround in Los Angeles
Everything changed when Banda arrived in Dodger blue. Over the past two seasons, he emerged as a key bullpen piece, compiling a impressive 3.14 ERA with 111 strikeouts in 114 2/3 innings over 119 appearances, including three starts. More importantly, Banda contributed to two World Series titles, making 17 playoff outings and proving his mettle in October baseball.
His success in LA can be attributed to refined command and a deceptive delivery that baffles left-handed hitters. Banda's fastball-slider combo, paired with improved changeup usage, limited opponents to a .219 batting average against in 2023 alone. Scouts praise his adaptability, noting how he thrives in short bursts—a perfect fit for modern bullpen roles.
Prior to the Dodgers, Banda's journeyman status often overshadowed his talent. A brief stint with the Giants in 2021 yielded promise in Triple-A, but injuries and roster crunches kept him shuttling between levels. Now, at 30, Banda enters his prime with championship pedigree, eager to contribute to a Twins squad aiming for another AL Central crown.
What This Means for the Twins' 2024 Outlook
Minnesota's bullpen ERA ranked 12th in MLB last season at 3.84, but inconsistencies from middle relievers proved costly in tight games. With Banda joining Rogers, Hendriks (if he returns to form), and Merryweather, the Twins now boast a versatile group capable of mixing and matching against opposing lineups. Manager Rocco Baldelli, known for his innovative pitching strategies, will have more tools to deploy late innings.
Financially, this trade is savvy; the international bonus pool money is a non-monetary asset that doesn't impact the luxury tax. For the Dodgers, it's a way to recoup value from a player they developed into a winner. As spring training approaches, all eyes are on how Banda meshes with his new teammates. Early reports from Twins camp suggest he's already impressing with his work ethic and clubhouse presence.
In the broader MLB landscape, this transaction underscores the value of undervalued relievers in the offseason market. Teams like the Twins, balancing contention with cost control, are prioritizing depth over splashy free-agent signings. Banda's story—from draft-day promise to multiple rings—serves as inspiration for prospects navigating the minors.
As the 2024 season looms, the Twins' bullpen revamp positions them as legitimate threats in a competitive division. Whether Banda secures a permanent spot or serves as trade bait at the deadline, his arrival injects excitement into Minnesota's pitching plans. Baseball fans, stay tuned—this could be the start of another memorable chapter for the well-traveled lefty.
