Yankees Urged to Sign Recently Released Dodgers Pitcher in Reunion Deal

As Spring Training quickly approaches, the New York Yankees find themselves in the final stretch of the offseason, with player transactions heating up across Major League Baseball. With the new season just around the corner, teams are scrambling to make final roster adjustments, and one name that’s garnered significant attention is Anthony Banda, a recently designated pitcher by the Los Angeles Dodgers. This move has opened the door for potential suitors, and many are urging the Yankees to bring the left-handed reliever back into their fold.

Banda, who was a key part of the Dodgers’ World Series championship teams in 2024 and 2025, finds himself in limbo after the Dodgers decided to part ways with him on Friday. The question now is whether the Yankees, who have struggled with bullpen depth, will take advantage of the opportunity to add the experienced southpaw to their roster for the upcoming season.

Banda’s Brief Yankees Stint and his Upside for 2026

Before his time with the Dodgers, Anthony Banda spent a brief period with the New York Yankees in 2022, where he pitched a total of just 0.2 innings. His time with the team was brief, and the results were less than stellar—allowing a few runs—but that small sample size hardly tells the full story of his potential.

The Yankees are a team in need of a left-handed option in their bullpen, and Banda’s experience with multiple MLB teams, along with his solid past seasons, make him a strong candidate for a minor league deal.

Max Mannis, a writer for Jomboy Media and a dedicated Yankees coverage expert, recently tweeted his thoughts on Banda, stating, “Would love for the Yankees to bring Banda back. Cheap 32-year-old, high-upside lefty in a bullpen that BADLY needs one.”

This sentiment captures the crux of the Yankees’ dilemma—they have a glaring need for a reliable left-handed reliever, and Banda’s potential offers an intriguing solution.

Banda’s Success with the Dodgers: A Glimpse of Potential

While Banda’s time with the Yankees was short, his performances in the years since have been impressive. The 2024 season marked a breakthrough for the journeyman reliever, as he posted a 3.08 ERA over 49.2 innings, with 50 strikeouts. This strong performance was part of a World Series-winning team, showcasing his ability to contribute to a championship-caliber bullpen. In 2025, Banda maintained that success with a 3.18 ERA over 65 innings, further solidifying his reputation as a reliable lefty reliever.

His ability to maintain a steady level of performance, particularly in a high-pressure bullpen like the Dodgers, is a testament to his resilience and skill. Yet, despite his solid regular season contributions, Banda’s postseason performances in 2025 were a bit rocky, which led to the Dodgers’ decision to designate him for assignment.

What the Yankees Could Gain from Banda’s Return

The Yankees’ bullpen has been a point of concern for some time, and their current left-handed options, such as Tim Hill, Ryan Yarborough, and Brent Headrick, do not exactly inspire confidence. Hill and Yarborough are seen as soft options—reliable, but not game-changers. Headrick has potential but lacks the experience of someone like Banda.

On the other hand, Banda’s velocity advantage and his demonstrated ability to perform at a high level even at age 32 make him a solid gamble. With the Yankees’ bullpen in flux, Banda could be the missing piece to provide more depth and flexibility in high-leverage situations.

Banda’s Fit in the Yankees’ Current Bullpen Structure

The Yankees currently have only two lefty relievers on their depth chart: Tim Hill and Ryan Yarborough. While both have their merits, neither brings the velocity or track record of a player like Banda. The Yankees’ bullpen has struggled to find consistency over the last few seasons, and adding a player with Banda’s experience and skill set could help stabilize the unit.

Brent Headrick, another lefty, is likely the most promising option, but even Headrick is still unproven in high-leverage moments. Banda, with his velocity and postseason experience, could be a valuable asset to the team, especially in late-inning situations.

If the Yankees were to sign Banda, he could easily work his way into the role of a middle reliever or even a setup man, giving the team an added weapon for crucial moments during the season. His ability to limit hard contact, generate strikeouts, and throw multiple innings would make him a versatile option for Aaron Boone‘s bullpen. With an improved lefty reliever in the mix, the Yankees could finally address their bullpen issues and make a serious run in 2026.

Banda’s Value Beyond Stats

One key factor that cannot be overlooked is Banda’s experience. Over his career, he has pitched for eight different MLB organizations and gained valuable insight into the challenges of pitching in a variety of roles. While his career hasn’t been without bumps, his resilience and ability to keep bouncing back make him a compelling option for the Yankees.

His postseason experience with the Dodgers—where he contributed to their World Series victories—will also be invaluable in the postseason push. Banda has shown that he can handle the pressure of big games, a quality that would make him even more useful to the Yankees in their quest for a championship.

The Final Word: Will the Yankees Take a Chance on Banda?

As the Yankees prepare for Spring Training, several key roster moves are expected in the coming days. Anthony Banda, who is now available on waivers, presents an intriguing opportunity for the Yankees to add a cheap, high-upside lefty arm to their bullpen. While Banda’s time with the Yankees in 2022 was brief, his solid performances with the Los Angeles Dodgers over the past two seasons could give the Yankees the depth they need.

With two left-handed relievers already on the roster and Banda’s velocity advantage, the Yankees should strongly consider signing him to a minor league deal, giving him a chance to earn a spot in the bullpen. If he can return to his previous form, he could be an essential contributor to a bullpen that desperately needs consistency and a reliable left-handed option.

While there’s no guarantee that the Yankees will make a move for Banda, his track record, age, and upside make him a risk worth taking—especially given the Yankees’ bullpen struggles in recent years.

Stay tuned as the Yankees make their final preparations for Spring Training, and don’t be surprised if Anthony Banda finds his way back to the Bronx, ready to contribute to the team’s quest for another World Series title.