The Minnesota Twins have obtained left-handed reliever Anthony Banda in a trade with the Los Angeles Dodgers, finalized on Thursday. In exchange, the Dodgers received international bonus pool money from the Twins as part of the agreement. This move brings Banda, a seasoned pitcher, to Minnesota ahead of the upcoming season.
Banda’s Performance and Career Highlights
At 32 years old, Banda concluded the 2025 season with a career-best 71 appearances, primarily in relief roles, including one start. He recorded a 3.18 ERA and a 5-1 win-loss record across 65 innings during the regular season. Although his postseason ERA rose to 9.53 over 5 2/3 innings in seven appearances, he helped the Dodgers capture a second consecutive World Series title.
Banda’s Extensive Major League Journey
This trade marks Banda’s ninth major league team. His previous stops include the Arizona Diamondbacks (2017), Tampa Bay Rays (2018-2020), New York Mets (2021), Pittsburgh Pirates (2021-2022), Toronto Blue Jays (2022), New York Yankees (2022), Washington Nationals (2023), and the Dodgers (2024-2025). Over nine MLB seasons, Banda has compiled a 15-9 record with a 4.44 ERA in 209 appearances, including nine starts, three saves, 220 strikeouts, and 101 walks across 233 1/3 innings.
Implications and Future Outlook for the Twins
Adding Banda provides the Twins with an experienced left-handed option in their bullpen, potentially strengthening their relief corps. Considering Banda’s extensive experience and previous success with the Dodgers, Minnesota anticipates that his presence will contribute positively to their pitching staff this season. This acquisition underscores the Twins’ strategic efforts to bolster their roster through seasoned talent.
