The Los Angeles Dodgers traded Anthony Banda to the Minnesota Twins in exchange for international bonus pool money.
How much money the Dodgers received was not announced, but it was reported to be $500,000. Teams are required to trade bonus pool money in increments of $250,000, and each team is capped on how much they can spend on the international market, making additional space valuable for clubs that wish to sign top international prospects.
The trade comes after the left-hander was designated for assignment on Feb. 6 as the corresponding move for Ben Rortvedt re-joining the Dodgers on waivers.
Rortvedt himself was later let go on Feb. 11 to make room for Evan Phillips after he re-signed with the Dodgers on a one-year, $6.5 million contract. However, the Dodgers hope the backup catcher clears waivers and returns to L.A.’s Minor League system.
The Dodgers could’ve attempted to do the same with Banda, but decided to trade him because of the unlikelihood of clearing waivers. Additionally, he could’ve elected free agency if he cleared waivers and left the organization empty-handed.
Banda came to the Dodgers organization on May 17, 2024, after being acquired in a trade with the Cleveland Guardians. He joined the roster two days later and quickly became one of the most effective relievers on the club.
Banda finished the season throwing 49.2 innings with a 3.08 ERA, 23.9% strikeout rate and 8.6% walk rate. He was a key part of the Dodgers’ bullpen that powered their World Series run in 2024, with a 1.13 ERA across 10 appearances.
The left-hander finished his tenure with the Dodgers, posting a 3.14 ERA in 114.2 innings.
Earlier in the offseason, the Dodgers and Banda agreed to a one-year contract worth $1.625 million to avoid arbitration. He has one more year of team control before he is eligible to become a free agent.
Dodgers re-sign Kiké Hernández
The Dodgers announced they agreed to terms with Kiké Hernández on a one-year contract worth $4.5 million for the 2026 season.
Hernández returns to the club after playing 92 games last season that saw him hit .203/.255/.366 with eight doubles, 10 home runs and 35 RBI. He missed nearly two months because of left elbow trouble and wasn’t his usual productive self in the playoffs.
He still appeared in all 17 playoff games, batting .250 with nine runs, one homer and seven RBI.
Evan Phillips was transfered to the 60-day injured list to make room on the 40-man roster.
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