The Minnesota Twins have bolstered their bullpen by acquiring veteran left-hander Anthony Banda from the Los Angeles Dodgers, according to announcements from both teams. In the deal, the Twins also sent $500,000 of international bonus pool space back to the Dodgers, effectively increasing Los Angeles’ spending limit in the international player market.
Banda, 32, had previously been designated for assignment by the Dodgers after a productive stint with the team, where he made a significant impact on their bullpen. Over his time in Los Angeles, Banda logged an impressive 3.14 ERA with a strikeout rate of 23.3% and an average fastball velocity of 96 mph. His tenure there included 19 holds and two saves across 114 and two-thirds innings.
While Banda’s 2025 season saw a slight dip in performance, with a rising walk rate, he still managed a commendable 3.18 ERA. The Dodgers made the decision to part ways with him as they looked to refresh their bullpen options. Meanwhile, the Twins are seeking to reinforce their relief unit, especially after an offseason that involved trading several key relief pitchers last year.
In taking on Banda, the Twins not only gain a reliable arm but also benefit from his prior relationship with manager Derek Shelton, who supervised Banda during his time with the Pirates. This familiarity could see Banda emerge as a key contributor in high-leverage situations for Minnesota.
Banda’s affordability adds to his appeal, as he will be controllable through the 2027 season, with a modest salary of $1.625 million for the upcoming season. This enables the Twins to benefit from his services without straining their budget.
Adding Banda to a revamped bullpen, which includes re-signed veterans like Taylor Rogers and new arrivals such as righty Eric Orze, represents a strategic move for the Twins as they seek to stabilize their relief options. The team has also signed Liam Hendriks and Julian Merryweather to minor league contracts to further solidify their bullpen depth.
As part of this transaction, right-hander Jackson Kowar has been designated for assignment to make room for Banda on the 40-man roster. Kowar, once a promising prospect, has struggled with injuries and inconsistent performance, posting an 8.21 ERA over parts of four MLB seasons. The Twins hope to retain him as bullpen depth if he clears waivers.
Overall, this trade reflects the Twins’ proactive approach in addressing their bullpen needs, particularly after a challenging previous season. As they attempt to make a strong push in the upcoming season, the acquisition of Banda could be an integral part of their success.