Dodgers Designate Anthony Banda for Assignment: A Golden Opportunity for White Sox to Strengthen Bullpen

The Los Angeles Dodgers made a notable roster move this afternoon, designating left-handed pitcher Anthony Banda for assignment to clear space for catcher Ben Rortvedt, who was recently claimed off waivers. This decision comes as something of a surprise given Banda’s relatively strong performance over the past two seasons with the Dodgers, and it opens the door for teams like the Chicago White Sox to potentially scoop up a valuable bullpen piece.

Banda, 32, has been a key figure in the Dodgers’ bullpen for the past two years. During the 2025 season, he appeared in 71 regular-season games, posting a respectable 3.18 ERA, a 4.52 FIP, and a 1.22 WHIP across 65 innings. As a sinker-slider pitcher, he’s been particularly effective against left-handed batters, who posted a .153/.241/.255 slash line against him in 112 plate appearances this past season.

Warning Signs: Why the Dodgers Moved On

Despite Banda’s impressive regular-season numbers in 2025, some underlying metrics could have contributed to the Dodgers’ decision to part ways with him. His walk rate spiked significantly, rising from 8.6% in 2024 to 12.7% in 2025, while his strikeout rate also dropped slightly, from 23.9% to 22.8%. These trends raised concerns about his control and ability to generate swings and misses consistently.

Perhaps even more telling was his BABIP (Batting Average on Balls In Play) of .227 in 2025, indicating that he may have gotten a bit lucky with his performance. His lack of luck was evident toward the end of the season, as Banda struggled during the 2025 World Series, allowing six runs in just three innings—a performance that likely contributed to the Dodgers’ decision to move on from the veteran reliever.

White Sox Bullpen Struggles: A Need for Lefty Relief

For the Chicago White Sox, the bullpen was a major weakness in 2025, particularly from the left side. Chris Getz, the team’s general manager, has been active this offseason trying to address this issue by acquiring multiple left-handed relievers. The team signed Sean Newcomb to a one-year, $4.5 million contract, traded for Chris Murphy from the Boston Red Sox, and added Ryan Borucki on a minor league deal. Additionally, Brandon Eisert and Tyler Gilbert, holdovers from last season, remain in the mix as well.

This group of lefty relievers will compete for spots in the bullpen throughout spring training, with the goal of providing a reliable arm for manager Will Venable‘s revamped pitching staff. The White Sox are aiming to address a gap that was apparent all of last season, and Banda could potentially add value to a unit that needs some stability from the left side.

Banda: A Reasonable Gamble for the White Sox

Despite some concerning trends in 2025, Banda remains an intriguing option for the White Sox, particularly considering his experience and budget-friendly salary of $1.625 million for the 2026 season. Even with his walk rate rising, Banda is still a veteran presence who has shown the ability to perform in high-leverage situations. The White Sox, a team working within a budget, could find that this salary fits well within their constraints, especially considering that Banda also offers another year of control for 2027.

While Newcomb will likely be the primary left-handed reliever for the White Sox in 2026, Banda could provide valuable depth as a situational lefty. With the White Sox bullpen still in flux, having another experienced arm like Banda could be the difference between a strong postseason push and another missed opportunity.

The Dodgers’ Roster Crunch and the White Sox’s Gain

Anthony Banda fell victim to a roster crunch with the Dodgers, who have multiple left-handed options like Tanner Scott, Alex Vesia, and Justin Wrobleski in their bullpen. While Banda has been solid, the presence of these other pitchers made his departure a more manageable decision for Los Angeles. The Dodgers’ loss could very well be the White Sox’s gain, however.

For the White Sox, acquiring Banda would add another veteran presence to their bullpen, providing stability and depth as they look to rebound from their bullpen struggles. With his ability to neutralize left-handed batters, Banda could offer the White Sox exactly what they need in their quest to return to postseason contention.

Looking Ahead: Banda’s Future with the White Sox

Should the White Sox make a move to claim Banda, it could provide the team with a solid addition to a bullpen in need of an upgrade. Banda’s experience and ability to handle left-handed hitters give him an edge over other potential candidates, and with spring training on the horizon, the team will have ample time to evaluate whether Banda can be a valuable part of their 2026 bullpen.

For the White Sox, the decision to target Banda would be an opportunity to add depth and experience to a bullpen that underperformed last season. Whether or not Banda lands in Chicago, the White Sox bullpen will be one of the most intriguing storylines heading into 2026.