Dodgers DFA Anthony Banda After Claiming Ben Rortvedt

In a move that’s sent ripples through the Los Angeles baseball community, the Dodgers have designated left-handed reliever Anthony Banda for assignment, making room on their 40-man roster for catcher Ben Rortvedt, whom they reclaimed off waivers from the Cincinnati Reds. The decision, announced on February 6, 2026, marks the end—at least for now—of Banda’s impactful stint with the team, and sets in motion a flurry of speculation about the Dodgers’ bullpen configuration and catching depth as spring training approaches.

Banda’s journey with the Dodgers began in May 2024, when he was acquired from the Cleveland Guardians for cash considerations. Since then, he’s been nothing short of a bullpen workhorse, logging 119 appearances over two seasons with a solid 3.14 ERA. In 2024, Banda delivered 49 2/3 innings with a 3.08 ERA, 23.9% strikeout rate, and 8.6% walk rate. The following year, his ERA ticked up slightly to 3.18, with a 22.8% strikeout rate and a higher 12.7% walk rate, while inducing ground balls on 39.4% of plays. His advanced metrics, including a 4.52 FIP and 4.39 SIERA in 2025, hinted at some underlying struggles, but his overall contributions were key to the Dodgers’ back-to-back World Series titles in 2024 and 2025.

Banda’s postseason performances were a mixed bag. In 2024, he was lights out, pitching in 10 games with a sparkling 1.13 ERA over eight innings. However, the 2025 playoffs were less kind, as he allowed six earned runs in just 5 2/3 innings for a 9.53 ERA. Despite these ups and downs, Banda remained a fan favorite, known for his energy in the clubhouse and his reliability in a variety of roles for manager Dave Roberts. "Banda has been one of the more beloved Dodgers among fans and teammates for the energy and fun he brings," DodgersNation reported, underscoring the personal impact Banda had on the squad.

The roster crunch that led to Banda’s DFA was driven by a confluence of factors. Most notably, Banda was out of minor league options and was entering his final year before free agency. The Dodgers had already agreed to a one-year, $1.625 million contract with him earlier in the offseason, a figure just below his $1.7 million arbitration projection. That salary, now, will follow Banda to whichever team claims him on waivers or trades for him—a process that can last up to a week, with the waiver period itself taking 48 hours. The Dodgers could also try to pass him through waivers unclaimed, as they did with Andy Ibáñez and Ben Rortvedt earlier this winter, but recent history suggests that such maneuvers rarely succeed.

The Dodgers’ bullpen remains deep, even after Banda’s departure. The left-handed relief corps still boasts Tanner Scott and Alex Vesia—both of whom missed time in 2025 but are expected back—alongside promising young arms like Jack Dreyer, Justin Wrobleski, and Ronan Kopp. The right-handed options are equally robust, with Edwin Díaz, Brusdar Graterol, Blake Treinen, Ben Casparius, Edgardo Henriquez, Kyle Hurt, and Will Klein all in the mix. As MLB.com observed, "The Dodgers’ bullpen should be more or less set, although the last few spots could be up for grabs." Dreyer, in particular, is seen as a frontrunner for an Opening Day role, thanks to a strong rookie campaign last year.

On the catching front, Ben Rortvedt’s return adds a layer of intrigue. Rortvedt, 28, had a brief but notable stint with the Dodgers in the second half of 2025, stepping in as the emergency starter after injuries sidelined Will Smith and Dalton Rushing. While his .224 batting average didn’t turn heads, his work with the pitching staff drew praise. He was claimed by the Reds in November after being DFA’d by the Dodgers, but found himself in roster limbo again when Cincinnati signed Eugenio Suárez. Now back in Dodger Blue, Rortvedt faces another battle for the backup catcher spot, with Dalton Rushing also vying for the job. Both are out of minor league options, so the competition will be fierce—and it’s possible the Dodgers could again DFA Rortvedt before Opening Day if roster needs shift.

The Dodgers’ recent roster maneuvers reflect a broader strategy of maximizing flexibility while juggling a full 40-man roster. The team has repeatedly tried to sneak valuable depth pieces through waivers, hoping that modest salaries and crowded rosters elsewhere will deter claims. Yet, as the cases of Rortvedt and Ibáñez demonstrate, other clubs have been quick to pounce. Ibáñez, who signed as a free agent in January, was claimed by the Oakland Athletics on February 6 after being DFA’d by the Dodgers earlier in the week. The opening of the 60-day injured list next week could provide additional roster flexibility for clubs interested in making waiver claims, further complicating the Dodgers’ efforts to retain depth.

For Banda, the coming days will be a waiting game. Given his track record—119 games with a 3.14 ERA for the Dodgers, 17 postseason appearances, and an affordable contract—it seems unlikely that he’ll clear waivers. Teams with thin bullpens, especially those in rebuilding mode, may see him as an attractive addition who could be retained via arbitration for 2027. If no team claims him, the Dodgers may yet keep him as non-roster depth, a scenario that would allow Banda to remain part of the organization that helped him reach new heights.

Meanwhile, the Dodgers continue to honor their storied past. The club announced that former player and coach Reggie Smith will be the next inductee into the Legends of Dodgers Baseball, with a ceremony planned before the August 15 game at Dodger Stadium. Smith, a native of Compton, spent six seasons with the Dodgers, made three All-Star teams, and played a pivotal role in the 1981 World Series victory. He later served as a coach in both the minors and majors, and was part of Team USA’s gold-medal-winning staff at the 2000 Olympics. Smith will join an illustrious group of Dodgers greats, a testament to the franchise’s rich history and ongoing commitment to celebrating its legends.

As the Dodgers gear up for spring training, the fate of Anthony Banda and the shape of the bullpen remain unresolved. One thing’s for sure: roster churn is nothing new in Los Angeles, and with a championship pedigree and a deep pool of talent, the Dodgers are well-positioned to adapt—no matter how the chips fall in the coming days.