The New York Mets are preparing for the 2024 season with A.J. Minter expected to return after a brief stint on the injured list, prompting the team to explore additional left-handed pitching options. Among these, Anthony Banda, recently designated for assignment by the Los Angeles Dodgers, emerges as a viable candidate to provide lefty bullpen depth for the Mets as injury insurance.
Mets’ Bullpen Options and Anthony Banda’s Availability
The Mets have revamped their left-handed reliever pool following offseason changes that saw veterans Richard Lovelady and Jose Castillo depart. With Minter’s recovery timeline still uncertain, the Mets must consider alternatives to fortify their bullpen. The Dodgers’ decision to remove Banda from their 40-man roster signals an opportunity for teams like the Mets to claim him, especially considering his manageable arbitration salary of under $2 million for the upcoming year.
Banda’s experience and affordability make him a low-risk option for the Mets. Although not a star, he offers more proven left-handed relief than other candidates in the Mets’ system, such as the unpredictability of Nate Lavender, who is returning from injury, or Anderson Severino, whose main success came during Winter League play. Meanwhile, Joe Jacques does not present a compelling option for the team’s bullpen needs at this time.
Understanding Banda’s Performance and Why the Dodgers Moved On
Anthony Banda posted a solid 3.08 ERA in 2024 and a 3.18 mark in 2025, but other metrics shed light on the Dodgers’ willingness to part ways. His 4.7 walks per nine innings (BB/9) and a fielding independent pitching (FIP) of 4.52 suggest average to below-average performance beyond what his ERA indicates. Control issues and home runs allowed have been notable weak points in his game.
Despite these challenges, Banda finished the 2024 season strong, registering a 1.52 ERA in the second half, although he struggled in the World Series by yielding six runs over three innings. Left-handed batters hit only .153/.241/.255 against him during the year, signifying his potential value as a situational reliever. This profile aligns with the Mets’ need for depth lefty relievers who can be called upon if Minter is unavailable at the season’s start.
Potential Role and Challenges for Banda with the Mets
While Banda is not expected to be a long-term solution for New York, he fits the criteria of a “just in case” bullpen arm. If claimed by the Mets, he could provide insurance in the bullpen at a relatively low cost and would likely accept a minor league assignment to retain his $1.625 million contract, rather than opting for free agency, which would cause him to lose guaranteed salary.
Banda’s prior brief tenure with the Mets in 2021 occurred before he became a key contributor to the Dodgers’ championship teams. Should he clear waivers and land with New York, the Mets would benefit from adding a left-handed reliever familiar with major league competition and postseason pressure, similar to the midseason pickups the team often targets when injuries force roster adjustments.
Implications for the Mets’ Roster and Future Moves
The Athletics’ recent acquisition of Andy Ibanez off waivers from the Dodgers illustrates how teams are willing to take low-risk chances on bullpen depth candidates. Banda’s situation could follow a similar path, with the Dodgers potentially finding a trade partner offering anything from cash considerations to a player of minimal note. However, the Mets are unlikely to offer significant assets for Banda, viewing him more as a waiver claim than a trade target.
Given the Mets’ need for at least one more reliable bullpen arm, Banda’s availability represents a strategic fallback if Minter’s return is delayed. His addition would provide necessary insurance as the Mets open the season and manage the uncertainties surrounding their pitching staff’s health and consistency. Looking ahead, Banda could serve as a placeholder until the Mets secure a more permanent bullpen solution or until injured pitchers return to full strength.
