Anthony Banda DFA’d by Dodgers: A Look Back at a Missed Opportunity for Cleveland
Anthony Banda never threw a regular-season pitch for the Cleveland Guardians, but his journey since leaving the organization has made his name stick in the minds of some Guardians fans - and not for the reasons you'd expect. Now a two-time World Series champion with the Dodgers, Banda’s story is one of perseverance, reinvention, and, ultimately, a reminder of what might’ve been.
On Friday, Banda’s time with the Dodgers hit a speed bump. The defending champs designated the left-hander for assignment to clear a roster spot for catcher Ben Rortvedt. It’s a tough break for a reliever who carved out a steady role in Los Angeles’ bullpen over the past two seasons - and a full-circle moment for those in Cleveland who once wondered what he could’ve been in a Guardians uniform.
A Winding Road to Relevance
Banda’s path to becoming a key bullpen piece in L.A. wasn’t exactly linear. Originally a starter, he transitioned to the bullpen early in his career after a trade, and over the span of six seasons, he bounced around - seven teams in total. The 2023 season saw him break camp with the Nationals, but after just seven rocky innings, he was removed from the roster and hit the free-agent market.
That’s when the Guardians came calling, signing him to a minor league deal in January 2024. There was some quiet optimism that he could contribute at the major league level, but a rough spring - seven earned runs in 10 1/3 innings - landed him in Triple-A to start the season.
Still, Banda didn’t fold. He posted a 2.12 ERA over 17 innings in Triple-A, showing enough for the Dodgers to take a flyer on him in May, acquiring him for cash considerations. Two days later, he was on the big-league roster - and from there, he made the most of his second chance.
Steady Contributor in L.A.
Over the next two seasons, Banda became a reliable option in the Dodgers’ bullpen, especially in middle-to-low leverage situations. Across 114 2/3 regular-season innings, he posted a 3.14 ERA - a rock-solid number for a reliever in today’s game. He also logged 13 2/3 postseason innings during the Dodgers’ back-to-back title runs, adding to his growing résumé.
But even with the success on the surface, there were signs that Banda’s margin for error was shrinking.
His strikeout rate dipped to 22.8% in 2025, down more than a percentage point from the year before. More concerning, his walk rate jumped to 12.7% - a red flag for a reliever whose role often depends on limiting free passes. Those command issues caught up to him in the postseason, where he struggled during the Dodgers’ title run despite the team ultimately hoisting the trophy.
What Comes Next?
The Dodgers’ decision to DFA Banda isn’t necessarily a surprise when you look at the underlying trends, but it’s still notable considering the lefty was tendered a $1.62 million salary for 2026. That’s a modest number for a reliever with his experience and postseason pedigree, and it suggests he’ll likely land with another big-league club soon - even if he’s out of minor league options.
As for Cleveland, it’s hard not to look back at Banda’s brief stint in their system and wonder what could’ve been. The Guardians have since overhauled their bullpen, and a reunion seems unlikely. But Banda’s success in Los Angeles - however quiet or under-the-radar it may have been - serves as a reminder that sometimes the ones who get away make the biggest impact elsewhere.
Anthony Banda may be in limbo for now, but his story’s far from over. Don’t be surprised if he resurfaces soon - still doing what he’s done best the last two years: finding ways to get outs, no matter where he ends up.