Dodgers finally find trade partner for Anthony Banda as wild news day continues

The Dodgers made a series of baffling roster moves in the span of a few weeks, which saw the arrival of Kyle Tucker, departure of outfielder Michael Siani, return of Siani, departure of Andy Ibáñez, return of Ben Rortvedt, departure of Anthony Banda and then, finally (deep breath in), departure of Rortvedt (again).

Did you get all of that? It's okay if not.

Most of these moves were baffling, but the Dodgers DFA'ing Banda to make room for Rortvedt was perhaps the most startling and sad for fans. Banda was the Dodgers' standout reclamation project in 2024 — there always has to be one, right? — and even though he certainly regressed in 2025, he became a quick fan favorite.

It seemed likely from the outset that the Dodgers were going to trade Banda, who is owed $1.625 million this season, his second of arbitration eligibility.

On Thursday, the Dodgers confirmed that they had traded him to the Twins in exchange for international bonus pool money. A small-time trade, but the Twins get an effective lefty reliever during their rebuild, and the Dodgers get a little more wiggle room to sign another international prospect.

Dodgers officially trade Anthony Banda to Twins in exchange for international bonus pool money

Banda's signing is just the latest in a whirled 48 hours for the Dodgers. They re-signed Evan Phillips on Wednesday, then extended Max Muncy, re-signed Kiké Hernández, and traded Banda on Thursday. And all of Thursday's transactions came within the span of a few hours.

Without Banda, the Dodgers could still plausibly have four lefties in the bullpen: Alex Vesia, Tanner Scott, Jack Dreyer, and Justin Wrobleski, though the latter two may have to fight for spots during spring training. Banda had a decent 2025 season (3.18 ERA in 65 innings pitched), and there were stretches of time when the Dodgers' bullpen was falling apart that Banda stayed solid during.

But Vesia and Scott have a lot more money attached to them, and Dreyer and Wrobleski are optionable. That left Banda the odd man out. His K/9 rate was down, BB/9 rate was up, and the Dodgers just have so many options for the bullpen this year that they had to trim somewhere.

Going from the Dodgers to the Twins has to be a little disappointing for him, but hey — at least he meaningfully contributed to two World Series runs.