Anthony Banda Reflects on Dodgers Tenure Ahead of Fresh Start with Twins

Anthony Banda’s 2025 postseason struggles left Dodgers fans questioning his future with the team, and in February, the organization provided an answer. The left-handed reliever was designated for assignment before the Dodgers found a trade partner in the Minnesota Twins. Despite the move, Banda maintains a deep respect for the two-time reigning World Series champions and the people who run the organization.

Speaking from spring training in Fort Myers, Florida, Banda emphasized the professionalism and generosity he experienced in Los Angeles. “Those are great people over there,” he said. “They’re amazing, they take care of families. They care… You’re not owed anything in this game.”

The Corpus Christi, Texas native clearly treasures the opportunity to have been part of a championship-caliber club. His time with the Dodgers, marked by camaraderie and professional growth, left a lasting impression that transcends the final outcome of the 2025 World Series.

While the postseason exposed Banda’s struggles, his overall contributions to the Dodgers’ bullpen were significant. He now looks ahead to a fresh start in Minnesota, bringing both experience and perspective to a rebuilding Twins roster.

1. Dodgers Tenure and Postseason Struggles

Banda, a former 10th-round draft pick, proved to be a reliable bullpen arm throughout the 2025 regular season. He pitched 114 2/3 innings with a 3.14 ERA, leading the Dodgers with 71 appearances and providing consistent late-inning support. His durability and performance during the stretch run were crucial in maintaining Los Angeles’ edge in the standings. However, the World Series exposed Banda’s vulnerabilities. Over four appearances against the Toronto Blue Jays, he allowed six runs on six hits, derailing his otherwise strong season. Though he still earned the opportunity to celebrate another championship with the Dodgers, management opted not to retain him on an already crowded roster. Despite these postseason difficulties, Banda’s impact on the Dodgers extended beyond statistics. He provided depth, reliability, and veteran leadership, qualities that contributed to the team’s sustained success throughout the season. The experience of competing at the highest level, coupled with the lessons learned from his struggles, has equipped Banda with perspective that will inform his approach with the Twins.

2. Personal Reflections on Los Angeles

Beyond the field, Banda has spoken highly of the organizational culture he experienced in Los Angeles. He praised the Dodgers for their attention to players’ families, their professionalism, and their commitment to fostering a positive clubhouse environment. These qualities, he emphasized, are not guaranteed in professional sports. “The Dodgers left a permanent imprint on me,” Banda said, highlighting the personal growth and relationships formed during his tenure. Despite being traded, he expressed no bitterness, framing his departure as a natural part of baseball rather than a personal slight. Banda’s gratitude reflects a broader understanding of the game’s realities: talent and opportunity intersect, but job security is never guaranteed. His appreciation for the Dodgers underscores how professional respect and camaraderie can coexist with career transitions. This perspective will carry into his role with the Twins, shaping not only his performance but also his approach to mentoring younger players in Minnesota.

3. New Chapter with the Twins

Now with the Minnesota Twins, Banda enters a team that is navigating a rebuilding phase following a busy MLB trade deadline. His experience in a championship environment positions him as a valuable presence in the bullpen, providing guidance to younger pitchers while maintaining competitiveness on the mound. At 32, Banda views this transition as both a professional challenge and an opportunity to apply lessons learned in Los Angeles. The struggles of the World Series, the victories of the regular season, and the experience of postseason pressure all contribute to his readiness to contribute immediately. For the Twins, acquiring Banda represents a low-risk move with the potential for high value. He brings reliability, durability, and the perspective of a pitcher who has experienced both the highs of championship success and the lows of high-pressure postseason mistakes. As he begins this next phase of his career, Banda remains focused on growth, team contribution, and leveraging his past experiences to help Minnesota compete while cherishing the memories and lessons from his time with the Dodgers.