Dodgers Trade Reliever Anthony Banda to Twins

Banda expresses gratitude for his time with the Dodgers despite 'utter shock' of the trade

Mar. 14, 2026 at 2:10pm

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The Los Angeles Dodgers traded relief pitcher Anthony Banda to the Minnesota Twins in exchange for $500,000 in international bonus pool money. Banda, who had been designated for assignment by the Dodgers, expressed gratitude for his time with the organization despite the 'utter shock' of being traded, praising the Dodgers for giving him opportunities and pushing him to improve.

Why it matters

The Dodgers made the trade to address roster flexibility and open up a spot on their 40-man roster, which had become crowded with talented left-handed relievers. While Banda was a contributor over the past two seasons, including in the postseason, the Dodgers determined he was expendable as they look to optimize their pitching staff.

The details

The Dodgers designated Banda for assignment as a corresponding move to claiming catcher Ben Rortvedt off waivers from the Cincinnati Reds. Banda, who was out of minor league options, had been inconsistent last season and was behind others like Alex Vesia, Tanner Scott and Jack Dreyer on the Dodgers' depth chart. The trade to the Twins netted the Dodgers $500,000 in international bonus pool money, which they had forfeited as part of penalties for signing free agents Edwin Diaz and Kyle Tucker.

  • The Dodgers designated Banda for assignment in March 2026.
  • The Dodgers traded Banda to the Minnesota Twins in March 2026.

The players

Anthony Banda

A relief pitcher who spent the past two seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers, appearing in 119 games with a 3.14 ERA and 1.23 WHIP.

Los Angeles Dodgers

The Major League Baseball team that traded Banda to the Minnesota Twins in order to address roster flexibility and open up a spot on their 40-man roster.

Minnesota Twins

The Major League Baseball team that acquired Banda from the Dodgers in exchange for $500,000 in international bonus pool money.

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What they’re saying

“One, don't get me wrong. I love everybody in that organization. Everybody involved in it, have done right by me, love me. When I got the phone call, it was more shock. I couldn't get any words out. I was so shocked.”

— Anthony Banda, Relief Pitcher

“You can't take that very personal, right? At the end of the day, those are great people over there. They're amazing, they take care of families, they care. So you can't take the business aspect of them making moves or doing it the way they want to run the ship, because they were doing it well before I even got there.”

— Anthony Banda, Relief Pitcher

What’s next

The Twins will look to integrate Banda into their bullpen as they aim to compete in the AL Central division in 2026.

The takeaway

Despite the 'utter shock' of being traded, Banda expressed gratitude for the opportunities the Dodgers organization provided him and the chance to contribute to their success, underscoring the business realities of professional sports where tough roster decisions must sometimes be made.