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Yankees Explore Trade for Dodgers Reliever Anthony Banda: What a Move Could Mean for New York’s Bullpen

By TJ French

As the 2026 MLB season approaches, the New York Yankees seem poised to maintain a roster that closely mirrors the one from last season. While the offseason has been relatively quiet for New York, with key players like Cody Bellinger, Paul Goldschmidt, Trent Grisham, Amed Rosario, and Ryan Yarborough retained, there’s still room for a potential move. Despite rumors swirling about the team possibly making a blockbuster trade or a major free-agent signing, it seems unlikely that such a move will happen. However, the Yankees could turn to the trade market to bolster their bullpen.

Recently, the Los Angeles Dodgers designated reliever Anthony Banda for assignment, which has led to speculation that the Yankees could emerge as a suitor for the left-handed pitcher. Banda, who had a significant impact in the Dodgers’ back-to-back World Series victories, could provide the Yankees with the left-handed bullpen help they need for the 2026 season.

The Yankees’ Bullpen Needs and Banda’s Fit

The New York Yankees have been seeking an additional left-handed reliever to complement their bullpen, and the timing of Banda’s availability could not be more ideal. As of now, the left-handed options in the Yankees’ bullpen include Brent Headrick, Yarborough, and Tim Hill. While all three pitchers have their strengths, there are concerns about their ability to get the job done in high-pressure situations. Hill and Yarborough, for example, are known for being soft lefties with fastballs that rarely exceed 90 mph, which limits their effectiveness against power hitters.

This is where Banda’s skillset could make a difference. Known for his strikeout potential, Banda could offer the Yankees a more dynamic option out of the bullpen. Despite some struggles in 2025, including a less-than-ideal postseason performance, Banda’s consistent production during the regular seasons over the past two years shows that he still has the potential to be a valuable asset to a team like the Yankees, who are in need of bullpen depth.

New York fans, especially those who remember the 2024 World Series, may recall that Banda was part of the Dodgers’ championship-winning bullpen that triumphed over the Yankees. That ring, in fact, came at the expense of New York, and Banda’s efforts were crucial to the Dodgers’ success. His ability to come through in key moments in the postseason could be just what the Yankees need as they look to enhance their own bullpen depth for a deep playoff push in 2026.

What the Yankees Could Offer in a Potential Trade

The Dodgers have until Friday to either trade Banda or outright him on waivers. Given the value of left-handed relievers in today’s game, there’s likely to be significant interest in the veteran. A trade for Banda would make sense for the Yankees, who have room in their bullpen and could benefit from his strikeout ability. However, the Yankees may not have to give up a significant package to acquire him, depending on the level of trade interest from other teams.

Reports from industry insiders suggest that while Banda has had a rough patch in the postseason, his regular season numbers have been solid. As a result, the Yankees could potentially acquire him for a low-level prospect or another expendable player in their system. The Dodgers’ decision to designate him for assignment makes it clear that they are not committed to keeping him, which could work to the Yankees’ advantage in negotiations.

If the Yankees were to trade for Banda, the primary question would be whether other teams are also vying for his services. If the market is competitive, the Yankees may have to offer something more substantial. However, given the Dodgers’ current position, the Yankees could look to acquire Banda for a relatively small cost.

Banda’s Career Performance and What He Brings to the Table

Anthony Banda has had an interesting career. Prior to joining the Dodgers, Banda was a journeyman reliever who spent time with several MLB teams. He even briefly appeared with the Yankees in 2022, although he only pitched 0.2 innings and struggled, giving up three earned runs during his brief stint with New York. Despite that rough start, Banda’s move to the Dodgers has proven to be a turning point in his career.

In 2024, Banda had a breakout season for the Dodgers, posting a solid 3.08 ERA over 49.2 innings and earning 50 strikeouts. His performance was a key factor in the Dodgers’ bullpen success during their championship run that year. Banda followed up that season with another strong campaign in 2025, posting a 3.18 ERA over 65 innings and recording 61 strikeouts. His ability to pitch long innings and produce strikeouts makes him a valuable weapon in any bullpen, especially for a team like the Yankees, who rely heavily on strong bullpen performances.

Banda’s ability to handle high-leverage situations is an area where the Yankees could use some help. With many teams in need of left-handed relievers, Banda’s track record as a reliable option out of the bullpen could make him a sought-after commodity in the trade market.

Will the Yankees Pull the Trigger on a Trade?

The Yankees are in a position where they could certainly benefit from adding a reliable left-handed reliever like Banda to their bullpen. However, the move will depend on several factors, including how much competition they face in the trade market and whether they are willing to part with any of their prospects. Banda could provide the Yankees with a much-needed boost in the bullpen, but his inconsistent postseason performances and the Dodgers’ decision to designate him for assignment raise questions about whether he can continue to produce at a high level.

If the Yankees decide to pursue Banda, they will likely view him as a low-risk, high-reward addition to their bullpen. A trade for Banda would give New York another option in a bullpen that has shown both promise and inconsistency in recent seasons. With the 2026 season rapidly approaching, the Yankees will need to make some decisions about how to fill out their roster, and Banda could prove to be a wise addition.

Conclusion: A Trade That Makes Sense for Both Sides

Ultimately, the trade for Anthony Banda is a move that makes sense for both the Yankees and the Dodgers. Banda is a proven commodity in the bullpen, and while he’s had his struggles, his upside and strikeout potential make him an appealing option for New York. The Yankees could use a left-handed arm with his ability to contribute in high-leverage situations, and Banda could benefit from a fresh start in a new city.

For the Dodgers, the trade would allow them to offload a player who has had trouble in the postseason while also freeing up some financial space. The Yankees, on the other hand, could gain a valuable arm without giving up too much in return.

As the trade deadline approaches, the Yankees’ front office will be keeping an eye on the market, and if they can secure Banda for a reasonable cost, it could prove to be an important addition as they look to compete in 2026. Only time will tell if a deal is struck, but for now, the potential of Banda joining the Yankees bullpen is something to watch closely.