Los Angeles Dodgers cut ties with former Toronto Blue Jays Left-hander

Even defending champions make changes.

On Friday afternoon it was announced that the Los Angeles Dodgers had cut ties with relief pitcher Anthony Banda, designating the left hander for assignment despite previously tendering a contract for 2026.

While they had already signed a couple of former Blue Jays this offseason.

Banda, who was scheduled to make $1.625MM this season, was let go in order to make space for catcher Ben Rortvedt, whom the Dodgers claimed off waivers from the Cincinnati Reds earlier in the day.

Although Banda had some struggles in 2025, he had been a reliable member of the Dodgers bullpen for the past couple of seasons, even pitching against his former team - the Toronto Blue Jays - in the World Series.

However, taking a look at some of his underlying numbers, it's understandable why the Dodgers cut him loose.

Although his ERA was only marginally different from 2024, his strikeout rate decreased by 1% while his walk rate shot up from 8.6% to 12.7%.

His ground ball rate also dropped from 44% to 39%.

The Dodgers were the 8th team Banda has pitched for in his nine year career.

The southpaw briefly suited up for the Blue Jays in 2022, one of three clubs he pitched for that season.

In seven games with Canada's team he went 0-1 with a 4.26 ERA and seven strike outs in 6.1 innings.

While being in DFA limbo can last week and is never fun, Banda should quickly land on his feet.

Although he is already a journeyman just under a decade into his career, several teams could make do with a lefty of his experience and calibre.

This is especially true during Spring Training, where anything can happen. He'll find a new home soon.

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