Anthony Banda Waived by Dodgers in Stunning Roster Move

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Oct 29, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Anthony Banda (43) reacts during game five of the 2025 MLB World Series against the Toronto Blue Jays at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Dodgers, after they claimed catcher Ben Roverdt, have made the surprise move to designate Anthony Banda for assignment.

Banda has been one of the more beloved Dodgers among fans and teammates for the energy and fun he brings.

However, with the addition of the catcher, the Dodgers needed to move on from one of their left-handed relievers, and Banda was the man who would need to make way.

Over the offseason, Banda was awarded $1.625 million in arbitration, though that cost will be passed on to whoever ends up signing him.

Oct 29, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Anthony Banda (43) reacts during game five of the 2025 MLB World Series against the Toronto Blue Jays at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Oct 29, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Anthony Banda (43) reacts during game five of the 2025 MLB World Series against the Toronto Blue Jays at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Banda will certainly get picked up by another team. At the age of 32, he proved to be a reliable arm for manager Dave Roberts, who used him in a variety of roles amid injuries and struggles from other pitchers.

In 2025, he posted a 0.9 WAR and a 3.18 ERA in 71 appearances. Banda was also effective in 2024, posting a 0.5 WAR and a 3.08 ERA.

The Texas native has been a part of both World Series titles that the Dodgers have won consecutively over the past two years.

During the 2024 postseason, he was lights out, pitching in 10 games and posting a 1.13 ERA over eight innings.

In 2025, he struggled overall, allowing six runs in 5.2 innings, for a 9.53 ERA.

Who replaces Banda in the bullpen?

The Dodgers already have lefty Jack Dreyer, a young arm, who can step right into Banda’s role with upside to be even better. Additionally, they already have lefty Tanner Scott taking the set-up man spot in the bullpen card.

Alex Vesia and Justin Wrobleski are other left-handed options out of the bullpen who can handle any matchups that favor Banda, giving the Dodgers plenty of depth.

In terms of right-handers, Brock Stewart, Landon Knack, Will Klein, Kyle Hurt, and Edwin Diaz are options on the 40-man roster.

If by some miracle Banda does end up clearing waivers, the Dodgers could bring him back, but like Andy Ibanez and Ben Rortvedt, it will be tough for them to sneak him through the wire due to his recent success.



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