Los Angeles Dodgers Make Surprising Moves: Anthony Banda Designated for Assignment, Ben Rortvedt Claimed Off Waivers

In a series of surprising moves on February 6, 2026, the Los Angeles Dodgers made a bold decision to designate reliever Anthony Banda for assignment, just a year after he contributed significantly to the team’s back-to-back World Series titles. At the same time, the Dodgers claimed catcher Ben Rortvedt off waivers from the Cincinnati Reds, continuing their efforts to refine the roster as they prepare for the upcoming season. These moves have raised eyebrows across the MLB, especially given Banda’s impact on the team in recent years and Rortvedt’s familiarity with the Dodgers.

Anthony Banda: A Key Contributor to Recent Success

Anthony Banda, 32, had become a reliable arm in the Dodgers’ bullpen after joining the team. Over the past two seasons, Banda played an integral role in the team’s pitching staff, contributing to the Dodgers’ back-to-back World Series championships. Banda’s 2025 season saw him post a 5-1 record with a 3.19 ERA in 71 games, showcasing his ability to keep opponents at bay in high-leverage situations. For the 2024-2025 period, he boasted an 8-3 record with a 3.14 ERA across 120 innings pitched, showing remarkable consistency.

Banda’s major league journey has spanned nine seasons and includes stints with several teams, including Arizona, Tampa Bay, New York Mets, Pittsburgh, Toronto, New York Yankees, and Washington. Throughout his career, Banda has compiled a 15-9 record with a 4.44 ERA over 209 games, proving himself as a competent pitcher in the league. Despite his overall solid performance and contributions to the Dodgers’ success, the team made the difficult decision to part ways with him in what is seen as an attempt to refine the roster and make room for new talent.

While Banda’s departure might surprise some, the Dodgers’ front office has shown a knack for making bold decisions when it comes to roster management, and this move may be part of their long-term vision to build a more competitive team. With the emergence of new talent and the ongoing changes in the league, sometimes difficult decisions have to be made to stay ahead.

The Departure of Banda: The End of an Era?

For many Dodgers fans, Banda’s departure marks the end of an era. Banda’s impact on the mound, especially during high-stress moments in the postseason, helped elevate the Dodgers’ bullpen to a level that was crucial to their World Series victories. His ability to perform under pressure was especially evident during critical moments in both 2024 and 2025, making him a key contributor to the team’s success over the last two seasons.

While Banda had his ups and downs, his role in stabilizing the bullpen, alongside stars like Clayton Kershaw and Blake Treinen, was invaluable. The move to designate him for assignment will be remembered by many as a move to give the team more flexibility in terms of building a deeper and more consistent roster for the future. Banda’s future in the league remains uncertain, but given his experience and talent, it’s possible another team may take a chance on him to fill a bullpen spot.

Ben Rortvedt: A Familiar Face Returns

In a corresponding move, the Los Angeles Dodgers claimed Ben Rortvedt off waivers from the Cincinnati Reds. The 28-year-old catcher is no stranger to Los Angeles, as he had a brief stint with the team in 2025 after being traded to the Dodgers from Tampa Bay on July 31. Rortvedt appeared in 18 games for Los Angeles during the latter half of the season, posting a modest .224 batting average with one home run and four RBIs. While his offensive numbers weren’t particularly eye-popping, his defensive contributions and ability to handle the pitching staff were highly regarded.

Rortvedt’s role with the Dodgers last season extended beyond just his batting performance. He was instrumental in helping the team’s starting pitchers excel, contributing to a remarkable 2.17 ERA in September—an MLB-leading mark. His defensive skills behind the plate, combined with his ability to manage a pitching staff, made him a valuable asset for the Dodgers. Though he only appeared in four playoff games, his brief time with the team showed enough promise to earn a waiver claim.

Rortvedt’s career has seen him move through several organizations, including Minnesota, New York Yankees, Tampa Bay, and now Los Angeles. His ability to provide depth at the catcher position is especially important for the Dodgers, who have a strong core of pitchers but need reliable catchers to help manage their staff. Rortvedt’s defensive ability and his potential to improve offensively make him a solid addition to the team as they prepare for the 2026 season.

What Does This Mean for the Dodgers’ Roster?

The Dodgers’ decision to let go of Anthony Banda and claim Ben Rortvedt is part of the team’s larger strategy to continually evolve and refine their roster. While Banda’s departure may be seen as a tough but necessary move, the addition of Rortvedt strengthens the catching depth, which is important for the Dodgers’ pitching staff. Rortvedt’s defensive prowess and familiarity with the pitching staff make him an ideal candidate to provide reliable support throughout the season.

This move also signals that the Dodgers’ front office is making a calculated effort to build a roster that can compete at the highest level, even if it means parting ways with key contributors like Banda. The team has been successful in acquiring depth players who can contribute both offensively and defensively, and Rortvedt fits that mold perfectly.

Looking ahead, the Dodgers are shaping up to be a well-rounded team with depth in every area. With strong pitching, solid defense, and a mix of veteran leadership and emerging talent, the team is setting itself up for another successful season. While the decision to designate Banda may sting for some fans, the front office’s ability to make tough decisions shows that they are focused on the bigger picture and the long-term success of the franchise.

Conclusion: A New Chapter for the Dodgers

As the 2026 MLB season approaches, the Los Angeles Dodgers continue to make moves that reflect their commitment to winning and staying competitive in an ever-changing league. While the departure of Anthony Banda might be bittersweet for those who remember his contributions during the team’s World Series victories, it’s clear that the Dodgers’ front office is focused on making smart, strategic decisions that will help the team remain at the top of the standings.

Ben Rortvedt, meanwhile, adds valuable depth to the catcher position and provides a potential long-term solution for the team. With these roster moves, the Dodgers have shown that they are always thinking ahead, making moves that not only improve the team in the present but also prepare them for sustained success in the future. As they head into the 2026 season, Los Angeles remains a team to watch, with an ever-evolving roster ready to compete for another championship.