Should the Boston Red Sox Pursue a Trade for Anthony Banda? A Look at the Potential Deal and Its Impact

As the Boston Red Sox prepare for the 2026 season, one area of focus could be strengthening their bullpen, and a recent proposal from Just Baseball’s Jay Staph has raised the possibility of a trade to acquire left-handed reliever Anthony Banda from the Los Angeles Dodgers. The hypothetical deal would send infielder David Hamilton and right-handed pitching prospect Juan Valera to the Dodgers in exchange for Banda.

While the move might seem like a minor adjustment to some, it brings up several important questions about the Red Sox’s long-term strategy and their need to address their bullpen depth. Banda, a lefty with two years of team control remaining, has pitched solidly for the Dodgers, and his addition could fill a hole in Boston’s relief corps. But is this the right move for the Red Sox?

Banda’s Potential Fit for the Red Sox

Staph highlighted that the Red Sox could be an ideal fit for Banda, particularly given their current bullpen situation. As of now, the Red Sox are projected to have just two left-handed relievers on their roster heading into 2026, making Banda an appealing option to provide balance to the bullpen. Left-handed pitchers can often be the difference-makers in high-leverage situations, and with Boston facing a competitive American League East, adding another solid lefty arm could make a significant difference in their bullpen’s overall effectiveness.

Banda has posted a solid 3.14 ERA in two seasons with the Dodgers, establishing himself as a reliable middle reliever. While he has not been an elite closer or setup man, his role as a consistent and trustworthy piece in the bullpen could be exactly what the Red Sox need. His two years of team control would also provide some stability, making him an attractive option for a Red Sox team looking to bolster its relief depth without committing to a long-term contract.

However, Banda’s history as a journeyman and his limited role as a middle reliever raise some concerns. While he has been effective, middle relievers are often undervalued on the open market, and acquiring him might not offer the same return on investment as a more high-profile closer or setup man would. Still, the Red Sox could benefit from a steady presence in the bullpen, especially as they look to build a competitive roster.

The Trade Proposal: What Would the Red Sox Give Up?

The proposed trade between the Red Sox and Dodgers centers around two key players: David Hamilton and Juan Valera. Hamilton, an infielder, has been a fringe prospect for the Red Sox and might be on the bubble of the team’s 40-man roster. His inclusion in the deal is not surprising, as he does not appear to have a secure spot in Boston’s future plans. Still, Hamilton’s potential as a utility player could hold some value for the Dodgers, who may need depth in the infield.

Juan Valera, on the other hand, is an intriguing prospect. As a high-velocity right-handed pitcher who has topped out in the high-90s with his fastball, Valera was once a highly ranked prospect, and there’s still potential for him to develop into a solid contributor in the future. However, after a rough season in High-A ball, Valera’s stock has dipped slightly. Despite this, his age (he’s still a teenager) and his raw talent could make him an appealing piece for the Dodgers, who may see an opportunity to nurture his development in their system.

While the inclusion of Hamilton and Valera might seem like a fair price for a middle reliever like Banda, it’s important to note that the Red Sox have already given up several pitching prospects this offseason in their trade with the St. Louis Cardinals. If the Red Sox part with more valuable young arms, it could hurt their ability to replenish the farm system in the future.

Is Banda Worth the Trade?

When evaluating Banda’s worth on the open market, it’s clear that he has not been a game-changer, but rather a dependable contributor. His two years of team control make him an attractive option for teams like the Red Sox who are looking to add depth to their bullpen without committing to a long-term contract. However, it’s also worth considering that middle relievers often don’t command significant returns in trades, especially when they’re not closers or high-leverage setup men.

Banda’s potential value lies in his ability to give the Red Sox a reliable left-handed option in the bullpen, something they currently lack. However, the price of giving up a young prospect like Valera and a potentially useful utility infielder like Hamilton raises questions about whether this is the right move for a team still in the process of rebuilding and developing a sustainable future.

Should the Red Sox Pursue Banda or Explore Other Options?

The question now is whether the Red Sox should prioritize adding a player like Banda or pursue a more high-profile reliever in free agency. With several strong bullpen arms still available on the market, the Red Sox might be able to land a more impactful player without sacrificing prospects. Additionally, free-agent signings come without the long-term commitment that comes with trading away prospects, which could be a better option for a team still building for the future.

If the Red Sox don’t find a better fit in free agency, the trade for Banda could be a solid move to strengthen their bullpen and provide some left-handed balance. However, they’ll need to carefully consider whether the cost of giving up prospects, especially a promising arm like Valera, is worth the potential return of a solid but unspectacular reliever.

Conclusion: The Red Sox’s Offseason Strategy and the Future of Their Bullpen

As the offseason continues, the Red Sox are still in a position to make key moves that could reshape their roster for the 2026 season. Adding a player like Anthony Banda could shore up the bullpen, but the cost of giving up young talent like Valera and Hamilton is a decision the front office must carefully weigh.

While Banda could provide depth and stability, the Red Sox need to be cautious about giving away pieces that could be crucial in their future plans. Whether they pursue this trade or continue to look at other options in free agency, the Red Sox have plenty of decisions to make as they try to build a team that can compete in a tough AL East.

Ultimately, the Red Sox’s strategy should focus on finding value without compromising their long-term development. Banda may be a useful addition, but it’s important for Boston to keep their eyes on bigger moves that could help them return to playoff contention in the near future.