{"id":558408,"date":"2026-02-06T20:19:17","date_gmt":"2026-02-06T20:19:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/558408\/"},"modified":"2026-02-06T20:19:17","modified_gmt":"2026-02-06T20:19:17","slug":"anthony-banda-waived-by-dodgers-in-stunning-roster-move","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/558408\/","title":{"rendered":"Anthony Banda Waived by Dodgers in Stunning Roster Move"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Los Angeles Dodgers, after they claimed catcher Ben Roverdt<\/a>, have made the surprise move to designate Anthony Banda for assignment.<\/p>\n

Banda has been one of the more beloved Dodgers among fans and teammates for the energy and fun he brings.<\/p>\n

However, with the addition of the catcher, the Dodgers needed to move on from one of their left-handed relievers, and Banda was the man who would need to make way.<\/p>\n

Over the offseason, Banda was awarded $1.625 million in arbitration<\/a>, though that cost will be passed on to whoever ends up signing him.<\/p>\n

\"OctOct 29, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Anthony Banda (43) reacts during game five of the 2025 MLB World Series against the Toronto Blue Jays at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

Banda will certainly get picked up by another team. At the age of 32, he proved to be a reliable arm for manager Dave Roberts, who used him in a variety of roles amid injuries and struggles from other pitchers.<\/p>\n

In 2025, he posted a 0.9 WAR and a 3.18 ERA in 71 appearances. Banda was also effective in 2024, posting a 0.5 WAR and a 3.08 ERA.<\/p>\n

The Texas native has been a part of both World Series titles that the Dodgers have won consecutively over the past two years.<\/p>\n

During the 2024 postseason, he was lights out, pitching in 10 games and posting a 1.13 ERA over eight innings.<\/p>\n

In 2025, he struggled overall, allowing six runs in 5.2 innings, for a 9.53 ERA.<\/p>\n

Who replaces Banda in the bullpen?<\/p>\n

The Dodgers already have lefty Jack Dreyer, a young arm, who can step right into Banda\u2019s role with upside to be even better. Additionally, they already have lefty Tanner Scott taking the set-up man spot in the bullpen card.<\/p>\n

Alex Vesia and Justin Wrobleski are other left-handed options out of the bullpen who can handle any matchups that favor Banda, giving the Dodgers plenty of depth.<\/p>\n

In terms of right-handers, Brock Stewart, Landon Knack, Will Klein, Kyle Hurt, and Edwin Diaz are options on the 40-man roster.<\/p>\n

If by some miracle Banda does end up clearing waivers, the Dodgers could bring him back, but like Andy Ibanez<\/a> and Ben Rortvedt, it will be tough for them to sneak him through the wire due to his recent success.<\/p>\n

\"App<\/p>\n

LA Baseball Report<\/p>\n

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