Twins' Anthony Banda has nothing but love for Dodgers despite DFA

The veteran reliever holds no ill will for his former employer, the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 10:11pm

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Anthony Banda, a left-handed pitcher who was recently designated for assignment by the Los Angeles Dodgers, is speaking glowingly about his former team. Despite struggling in the 2025 World Series, Banda has nothing but kind words for the Dodgers, calling them "great people" who "take care of families." Banda is grateful for the chance to win two rings with the model organization and is not going to throw away the special bonds he built during his time in LA, even though he was sent elsewhere.

Why it matters

This story highlights the professional and respectful nature of Banda's relationship with the Dodgers, even after being let go by the team. It showcases the class and character of both the player and the organization, and demonstrates the value of maintaining positive relationships in the often cutthroat world of professional sports.

The details

Banda, a 32-year-old left-handed pitcher, floundered in the 2025 World Series, causing many Los Angeles Dodgers fans to wonder how much longer he would remain with the club. In February, the Dodgers designated Banda for assignment before later finding a trade partner in the Minnesota Twins. Despite his struggles, Banda tallied a 3.14 ERA in 114 2/3 innings pitched with the Dodgers, leading the team with 71 appearances in 2025. However, he struggled in the Fall Classic, allowing six runs on six hits in four appearances versus the Toronto Blue Jays.

  • Banda was designated for assignment by the Dodgers in February 2026.
  • Banda was later traded from the Dodgers to the Minnesota Twins.

The players

Anthony Banda

A 32-year-old left-handed pitcher who was recently designated for assignment by the Los Angeles Dodgers and traded to the Minnesota Twins.

Los Angeles Dodgers

A professional baseball team and two-time reigning World Series champions.

Minnesota Twins

A professional baseball team that acquired Anthony Banda from the Los Angeles Dodgers.

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What they’re saying

“Those are great people over there. They're amazing, they take care of families. They care… You're not owed anything in this game.”

— Anthony Banda, Pitcher (Dodgers Nation X)

The takeaway

This story showcases the professionalism and class of both Anthony Banda and the Los Angeles Dodgers organization, even after Banda was let go by the team. It highlights the importance of maintaining positive relationships in the world of professional sports, and demonstrates that even when a player's time with a team comes to an end, they can still speak highly of the organization and the people they worked with.