The Minnesota Twins have completed a trade to bring veteran left-handed pitcher Anthony Banda from the Los Angeles Dodgers, with the exchange announced by both teams earlier this week. This transaction occurred as the Twins sent international bonus pool space worth $500,000 to the Dodgers. Banda, 32, had been designated for assignment by Los Angeles, which also cleared a 40-man roster spot by designating right-hander Jackson Kowar for assignment to accommodate Banda’s addition.
Performance Overview of Anthony Banda in Los Angeles
Banda was initially acquired by the Dodgers during the early portion of the 2024 season in a cash deal and quickly became a reliable bullpen arm. Over the 2024-25 seasons, he maintained a strong 3.14 ERA, recording a 23.3% strikeout rate and a 10.9% walk rate, alongside a 41.6% ground-ball rate. His fastball velocity averaged 96 mph, with both his four-seam and sinker pitches showing sharp movement. Additionally, Banda’s swinging-strike rate of 13.2% indicated a potential for high strikeout capability. During his time with the Dodgers, Banda earned 19 holds and registered two saves across 114 and two-thirds innings pitched.
However, in the 2025 campaign, Banda’s effectiveness dipped. His strikeout rate declined slightly, while his walk rate increased notably from 8.6% to 12.7%. Though he posted a 3.18 ERA over a career-high 65 innings, this regression likely contributed to the Dodgers deciding to make him expendable.
Contrasting Bullpen Strategies: Dodgers and Twins
The contrast between the Dodgers’ and Twins’ bullpen priorities is clear in this trade. While Los Angeles was willing to part ways with Banda and his $1.625 million salary, the Twins gave up valuable international signing bonus space to obtain him. Minnesota is in the process of rebuilding a bullpen that was dismantled last season at the trade deadline, when they traded away five relievers — Jhoan Duran, Griffin Jax, Louis Varland, Brock Stewart, and Danny Coulombe — to reduce payroll and invest in younger, cost-controlled talent.
For Banda, who was a lower-tier option in the Dodgers’ bullpen depth chart, this move presents a chance to compete for high-leverage roles in Minnesota. His prior experience working under Twins manager Derek Shelton, who managed him with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2021-22, adds to his appeal as a key member of Minnesota’s revamped relief staff.
Roster and Contract Context for Banda with the Twins
With 4.135 years of Major League service, Banda remains under team control through the 2027 season, offering the Twins potential multi-year value. He will be eligible for a raise in arbitration during the upcoming offseason, but his current salary of $1.625 million for 2026 suggests he presents a fiscally manageable option for the club regardless of his performance during his debut season in Minnesota.
Among the Twins bullpen, Banda joins Taylor Rogers, Justin Topa, and Cole Sands as the only relievers possessing at least three years of big league experience. The group is supplemented by right-handed pitcher Eric Orze, acquired in a minor trade with the Tampa Bay Rays, and southpaw Kody Funderburk, who delivered strong results following last July’s major bullpen overhaul with a 0.75 ERA and a strikeout-to-walk ratio of 28-to-10 across 24 innings.
Veteran Depth and Rotation Competition
Additional veteran depth arrived very recently with Liam Hendriks and Julian Merryweather signing minor league deals and possibly contributing to the bullpen. Meanwhile, the rotation picture remains competitive with established starters such as Pablo Lopez, Joe Ryan, Bailey Ober, and Simeon Woods Richardson expected to fill primary rotation roles, contingent on health. Young pitchers Taj Bradley, David Festa, Zebby Matthews, Mick Abel, and others will be battling for the remaining rotation slots. Simeon Woods Richardson, depending on performance, could also transition to the bullpen, increasing the depth options further.
Twins general manager Jeremy Zoll has emphasized the importance of shoring up the relief corps throughout spring training, leaving the door open for additional additions as the need to reinforce the bullpen remains paramount.
Jackson Kowar Designated for Assignment to Clear Roster Space
To finalize the trade, the Twins designated right-hander Jackson Kowar for assignment. Kowar, 29, was just claimed off waivers from the Seattle Mariners eight days prior. A former first-round draft pick and top prospect, Kowar’s career has been marred by injuries, though his fastball sits in the upper 90s with solid velocity on his sinker. While showing flashes of strikeout potential, Kowar has struggled with command and hard contact allowed.
In 91 MLB innings split over four seasons between the Kansas City Royals (his original team) and Mariners, Kowar has posted a challenging 8.21 ERA. Last season in Seattle, however, he produced a more respectable 4.24 ERA over 17 innings and a strong 2.81 ERA in 16 Triple-A innings, hinting at some effectiveness at the minor league level.
Kowar is out of minor league options, meaning the Twins must place him through waivers if they want to retain him as a depth piece in the minors. If another team claims Kowar, he would be required to stay on their 40-man roster unless waived again. The Twins have up to five days to trade, waive, or outright Kowar, and the waiver process will determine his eventual status within the next week.
“The Twins have acquired veteran left-hander Anthony Banda from the Dodgers, per announcements from both clubs. Minnesota is sending international bonus space back to L.A. in return.” – Francys Romero, BeisbolFR.com
“Banda joins the re-signed Taylor Rogers, Justin Topa and Cole Sands as the only members of the Twins’ bullpen with even three years of major league experience.” – Dan Hayes, The Athletic
Implications for the Twins’ Bullpen and Future Outlook
This trade signals Minnesota’s intent to stabilize its relief pitching staff by adding an experienced arm capable of contributing immediately. Banda’s blend of ground-ball inducing pitches and the familiarity with Derek Shelton could prove valuable in high-pressure innings. His cost-controlled contract offers financial flexibility while the Twins continue integrating youth and veterans into a rebuilt bullpen.
The fate of Jackson Kowar remains uncertain, but Banda’s arrival highlights the club’s priority to enhance bullpen depth and reliability as they prepare for the upcoming season. General manager Jeremy Zoll’s ongoing efforts to reinforce a thin relief corps may bring further moves before the season begins.
The Dodgers received $500,000 in international bonus pool money in exchange for Anthony Banda from the Minnesota Twins, per sources.
— Francys Romero (@francysromeroFR) February 12, 2026
#MNTwins acquire LHP Anthony Banda from Dodgers for international bonus money. Banda had been DFA’d last week.
— DanHayesMLB (@DanHayesMLB) February 12, 2026
#MNTwins DFA’d Jackson Kowar to make space for Anthony Banda on the 40-man.
— DanHayesMLB (@DanHayesMLB) February 12, 2026
