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MN Twins Swing Trade for Bullpen Help
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- MN Twins Swing Trade for Bullpen Help
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Pitchers and catchers reported to Fort Myers for Minnesota Twins Spring Training on Thursday . Despite pitchers being available, there is still plenty to be desired from Derek Shelton's bullpen .
The starting rotation is easily the foundation of the roster. Neither the lineup or the bullpen can say as much. That wasn't the case in recent seasons, but that's what happens when you sell off nearly half the roster .
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Taylor Rogers has been the lone significant relief addition , and the presumed closer is now 35 years old and on the backside of his career. Rather than continuing to just stack minor league additions , the Twins at least jumped the line for Anthony Banda .
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Anthony Banda joins Minnesota Twins from Los Angeles Dodgers
Last week Anthony Banda was designated for assignment by the Los Angeles Dodgers. Despite a 3.14 ERA (4.15 FIP) over the past two seasons , Los Angeles is overflowing with riches on the roster and saw him as expendable.
Immediately I suggested that's a player the Minnesota Twins should target. Thankfully, rather than letting him pass through waivers, the Twins jumped the line and swung a trade.
#MNTwins acquire LHP Anthony Banda from Dodgers for international bonus money. Banda had been DFA'd last week.
— DanHayesMLB (@DanHayesMLB) February 12, 2026
In trading international bonus money, the acquisition literally costs the Twins nothing. That pool is available to be used, but represents nothing without being spent. Instead of trading cash considerations, this return simply lowers the amount that Minnesota has at their disposal for the international free agent market.
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Banda is a good get, and especially for next to no return. He's slated to make just $1.6 million this season, and gives Minnesota a third lefty in the bullpen. Healthy the past two seasons, he showed a strong ability to miss bats and get outs.
Anthony Banda, Wipeout 86mph Slider. 🌊 pic.twitter.com/efBOQBsnwX
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) October 17, 2025
Given the state of the Minnesota Twins bullpen, Banda should be considered the second most reliable option in the pecking order. How that pairs with Rogers remains to be seen, as going back-to-back lefties in leverage spots is probably not ideal.
Jackson Kowar DFA'd by Minnesota Twins
The 40-man roster was full prior to the MN Twins adding Anthony Banda. Rather than making a more consequential move, they simply sent the recently claimed former first round pick Jackson Kowar packing.
#MNTwins DFA'd Jackson Kowar to make space for Anthony Banda on the 40-man.
— DanHayesMLB (@DanHayesMLB) February 12, 2026
Kowar pitched in the big leagues last year with the Seattle Mariners . He owned a 4.24 ERA (5.84 FIP) in just 17 innings. While he once was a top prospect, that luster has all but faded.
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Minnesota was going to force Kowar to earn a way on while competing with the likes of Dan Altavilla , Liam Hendriks , and Julian Merryweather . Banda is an all but guaranteed commodity, and thus the swap makes sense.
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