Embarking on a remarkable journey through Major League Baseball, Anthony Banda has encountered numerous challenges and triumphs before joining the ranks of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Having navigated the complexities of the sport for nearly a decade, Banda has become a seasoned player, demonstrating resilience and dedication throughout his career.
Over the course of eight major league seasons with seven different teams, Banda’s experience has been vast and varied. The Dodgers recognized his potential and acquired him from the Cleveland Guardians in May, where he quickly established himself as a reliable arm in the bullpen. Impressively, he allowed only one earned run while striking out eight batters across ten postseason outings, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.
In 2024, Banda achieved remarkable personal bests, eclipsing previous performance metrics accumulated through 168.1 innings pitched over his career. He recorded a 4.92 ERA and a 4.15 FIP, demonstrating significant improvement and consistency on the mound, which are crucial for a successful season.
Stay Updated: A former pitcher for the Dodgers has announced his retirement, citing injuries sustained during his time in LA as a pivotal factor in his decision-making process.
The Dodgers have fortified their roster by adding talented relievers such as Tanner Scott and Kirby Yates, positioning themselves as one of the most formidable teams in baseball history. This strategic enhancement reflects the organization’s commitment to success, and Banda is excited to contribute to this powerhouse lineup.
In a recent interview with MLB Network Radio, Banda expressed his admiration for Scott, saying, “My raw thoughts were, ‘Oh my gosh, this is incredible.’” As a fellow left-handed pitcher, Banda has always looked up to Scott for his pitching style and approach, indicating a strong sense of camaraderie and respect among teammates.
With three years and 135 days of major league service time, Banda is now arbitration-eligible after a standout season in which he posted a 3.08 ERA, 3.29 xERA, two saves, and an impressive 50 strikeouts against 18 walks over 49.2 innings pitched. This remarkable performance has set the stage for his future in the league.
Every time Banda took the mound in the postseason marked a significant milestone in his career. He shared, “That’s what I’ve always dreamed of,” emphasizing his desire to see his team win the World Series, which encapsulates the ultimate goal for any player in the league.
In a significant development, the Dodgers and Banda successfully avoided arbitration, agreeing to a one-year, $1 million contract for the 2025 season, marking the first time he has been eligible for arbitration in his professional journey. This agreement reflects the trust and investment the team has in him as a crucial part of their strategy moving forward.
With several key roster additions this offseason, Banda is eager for the 2025 season and the opportunity to contribute to another championship win for the Dodgers, further cementing his legacy in the organization.
Between 2017 and 2023, Banda showcased his skills in 90 games while playing for multiple teams, including the Arizona Diamondbacks, Tampa Bay Rays, New York Mets, Pittsburgh Pirates, Toronto Blue Jays, New York Yankees, and Washington Nationals. This diverse experience has undoubtedly shaped his approach to the game.
Latest Updates: The Dodgers have made a significant announcement regarding the upcoming DodgerFest event, including essential details like date, time, and location. Fans should stay tuned for more information.
Photo Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? Subscribe and hit that notification bell to stay updated on all the latest Dodgers news, rumors, interviews, livestreams, and much more!
More Stories
2025 ZiPS Projections for the Washington Nationals Team
Tigers Set to Sign Pitcher Alex Cobb
Batting Average: Embracing Joy and Letting Go of Worry