Just a month after leaving the Los Angeles Dodgers, left-handed pitcher Anthony Banda broke his silence with an emotional message to Los Angeles fans. A key part of the Dodgers’ bullpen for the past two seasons and a contributor to World Series victories, Banda admitted he never thought he would be leaving L.A. so soon – and that memories of Dodger Stadium remain vivid in his heart.
In a recent interview widely quoted by MLB publications, Banda said that heading into the 2026 season, he firmly believed he would still be wearing the Dodgers’ jersey.
“Honestly, I thought I’d be there,” Banda shared. “I was mentally prepared for the new season with the Dodgers. So when it happened, I was really surprised.”
Last February, the Dodgers unexpectedly placed Banda on their designated assignment list before quickly trading him to the Minnesota Twins for international bonus pool money. It was a strategic roster decision, but for Banda – who had just enjoyed two memorable seasons in L.A. – the moment felt like a shock.
“Baseball is business, I understand that,” he said. “But that didn’t make leaving any easier.”
In his two years with the Dodgers, Banda wasn’t the biggest star in the bullpen. But he was one of the most frequently used relievers.
From 2024 to 2025, he played 119 games for the Dodgers, more than any other pitcher on the team during that period. His consistent appearances in key innings helped him become a familiar part of the lineup.
More importantly, Banda also participated in two of the Dodgers’ bullpen games during their triumphant run. Being part of a World Series-winning team is something he says he will never forget.
“Wearing the Dodgers jersey and running onto the field in front of tens of thousands at Dodger Stadium – that’s a feeling I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life,” Banda said.
Even though he’s moved on to a new chapter with Minnesota, Banda says what he’ll miss most isn’t just the team – but the Los Angeles fans.
In a recent message, he specifically mentioned Dodgers Nation, the team’s famously passionate fan base.
“I just want to say thank you,” Banda said. “I know I’m not a big star, but you guys always supported me. Every time I walked out to the bullpen or ran onto the mound, I always felt the energy from the stands.”
He admitted that the cheers helped him get through many difficult moments in his career – especially when facing the pressure of pitching in one of MLB’s biggest markets.
“Los Angeles makes you feel like you’re playing for something bigger than yourself,” he said. “I’m really grateful to have had the opportunity to experience that.”
Now, Banda is starting a new chapter with the Minnesota Twins. The Midwest team hopes his experience and consistency will help strengthen the bullpen, especially in the role of a left-handed pitcher against tough hitters.
Banda said he was warmly welcomed in his new clubhouse, but he also acknowledged that adapting after a trade always takes time.
“You have to relearn everything – from the clubhouse, the pitching system, to the new city,” he said. “But that’s part of the journey.”
Nevertheless, he emphasized that what he learned at the Dodgers would follow him wherever he went.
“The Dodgers taught me so much – about how to prepare, how to play, and how to be part of a winning team.”
Before concluding his message, Banda offered a simple but heartfelt promise to the fans in Los Angeles.
“If one day I return to Dodger Stadium as an opponent,” he said, “I hope you will still remember that I always cherished my time there.”
In the world of MLB, where trades happen almost daily, it’s not always the case that a player leaves with such strong emotions.
But for Anthony Banda, Los Angeles is more than just a team he once played for.
It’s where he experienced the biggest moments of his career, where he felt the power of a massive fan base – and where he left a part of his heart.
And even though his baseball journey has now taken him to Minnesota, one thing Banda himself admits hasn’t changed:
Los Angeles will always be a part of his story.
