The Minnesota Twins strengthened their bullpen on Thursday by acquiring left-handed pitcher Anthony Banda from the Los Angeles Dodgers and signing right-handers Liam Hendriks and Julian Merryweather to minor league deals with invitations to spring training. These moves aim to bring experienced arms to support their rebuilt pitching staff ahead of the 2024 season in Fort Myers, Florida.
Banda Brings Proven Left-Handed Relief Ability
Anthony Banda, 32, was an effective contributor last season for the World Series-winning Dodgers, posting a 3.18 ERA over a career-high 71 games. Known for his consistent performance, Banda has played with eight major league teams across nine seasons. Over the past two years, he ranked among the 12 MLB left-handers with an ERA below 3.15 and opponents batting under .215, underscoring his reliability against hitters. The Dodgers received an undisclosed sum of international bonus pool money in exchange for Banda.
Veteran Right-Handers Join Through Minor League Deals
The 34-year-old Julian Merryweather has intermittent major league experience with the Chicago Cubs over the last three seasons, while Liam Hendriks, a 37-year-old three-time All-Star, brings significant past success despite recent injury setbacks. Hendriks originally signed with the Twins as an amateur free agent in 2007, debuting in the majors in 2011. After several stops including most recently the Boston Red Sox, his last campaign was limited by right hip inflammation. Between 2019 and 2022, Hendriks recorded 114 saves with a 2.26 ERA while playing for Oakland and Chicago White Sox, demonstrating elite closing ability with 359 strikeouts and just 47 walks in 239 innings.
Hendriks’ Health Challenges and Recovery Timeline
Following the 2022 season, Hendriks was diagnosed with Stage 4 non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, delaying his return to the majors in 2023. He appeared in only five games before right elbow inflammation ended his season, which ultimately required Tommy John surgery. His resilience will be a key factor as the Twins look to revive his contributions in their bullpen.
Roster Moves Facilitate Banda’s Addition
To accommodate Anthony Banda on the 40-man roster, the Twins designated right-hander Jackson Kowar for assignment. Kowar was recently acquired off waivers from the Seattle Mariners, highlighting the ongoing roster adjustments as Minnesota finalizes its pitching staff.
Impact on Twins’ Bullpen Depth and Season Outlook
With the additions of Banda, Hendriks, and Merryweather, the Twins are investing in veteran experience to reinforce their bullpen depth during a rebuilding phase. Banda’s consistent left-handed relief, combined with Hendriks’ proven historic performance if healthy, could provide critical late-inning options. These moves reflect Minnesota’s commitment to bolstering pitching versatility and give them multiple paths to improve their relief corps as spring training approaches.
