In a surprising move, the Dodgers have designated Anthony Banda for assignment, leaving fans and analysts alike scratching their heads. But here's where it gets controversial: despite being a reliable bullpen arm for years, including multiple playoff appearances, Banda's 2025 performance raised red flags. And this is the part most people miss: while his ERA remained steady, underlying metrics like a plummeting strikeout rate, soaring walk rate, and declining ground ball induction hinted at trouble. Could the Dodgers be making a calculated risk by letting him go?
The decision to part ways with Banda comes as the Dodgers claimed catcher Ben Rortvedt, a move that was previously reported. Banda, a left-hander who has been a serviceable member of the Dodger bullpen for a couple of years, even saw action in the playoffs over the past two seasons. The team also tendered him a contract for 2026, agreeing to a $1.625 million salary just last month. So, what changed?
A deeper dive into Banda's 2025 stats reveals a concerning trend. While his ERA inched up only slightly from 3.08 in 2024 to 3.18 in 2025, other indicators told a different story. His strikeout rate dropped from 23.9% to 22.8%, and his walk rate jumped from 8.6% to a worrisome 12.7%. Additionally, his ground ball rate fell from 44.4% to 39.4%. These numbers suggest that Banda was getting lucky, as evidenced by his low batting average on balls in play (.227) and high strand rate (83.1%). Advanced metrics like his 4.52 FIP and 4.39 SIERA paint an even bleaker picture, indicating he was due for regression. This was on full display in the playoffs, where he struggled, allowing six earned runs in just 5 2/3 innings.
But is this the end of the road for Banda in Dodger blue? Not necessarily. The Dodgers have a wealth of left-handed options, including the returning Tanner Scott and Alex Vesia, both of whom were unavailable last season due to injury and personal reasons, respectively. Youngsters like Jack Dreyer and Justin Wrobleski have also shown promise, potentially making Banda expendable. Furthermore, Banda is out of options, which likely factored into the decision to designate him for assignment. The Dodgers may be hoping to pass him through waivers unclaimed, allowing them to retain him as non-roster depth—a strategy they've attempted this winter with mixed results.
This approach isn't without precedent. The Dodgers signed Ben Rortvedt and Andy Ibáñez to modest deals, only to place them on waivers later, presumably hoping other teams would shy away from their salaries. However, this plan backfired when Rortvedt was claimed by the Reds (though the Dodgers reclaimed him today) and Ibáñez was claimed by the Athletics. Given Banda's major league experience and relatively low salary, it's unlikely he'll clear waivers. With the potential for arbitration retention in 2027, he could be an attractive pickup for teams with weak bullpens, especially those in rebuilding mode.
The Dodgers now have a week to navigate this DFA limbo. The waiver process takes 48 hours, leaving them five days to gauge trade interest. If a team shows enough interest, they might secure cash considerations or a prospect in return. However, with the 60-day injured list opening next week, other clubs will have more roster flexibility, potentially increasing competition for Banda. The clock is ticking, and the Dodgers must act swiftly.
But what do you think? Is letting Banda go a smart move, or are the Dodgers risking losing a valuable asset? Could his 2025 struggles be a fluke, or is this the beginning of a decline? Share your thoughts in the comments below—this decision is sure to spark debate!
