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Dodgers Designate Banda, Yankees Consider Claiming Reliever

2/8/2026

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Banda Designated Assignment

The Los Angeles Dodgers designated Anthony Banda for assignment to clear 40-man space for Ben Rortvedt.
Banda, 32, went 8-3 with a 3.14 ERA over two seasons and contributed to two consecutive World Series victories.
He struggled in the recent postseason, though he was a reliable left-handed reliever.
The Yankees are weighing a claim off waivers; Banda previously had a brief 2022 stint with the Yankees.

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Yankees Strengthen Roster

The New York Yankees have offseason acquisitions to strengthen their 2026 roster, including Jake Bird, Angel Chivilli, and Yanquiel Fernández.
Some analysts argue the Yankees have improved despite criticisms that they are running back the same team as 2025.
They added Ryan Weathers.
They will benefit from a full season of trade deadline additions, including Ryan McMahon, who bolstered their defense, and Jose Caballero, who increased speed and versatility.

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Goldschmidt Re-Signs Yankees

Key Information: Paul Goldschmidt re-signed with the New York Yankees on a one-year deal.
Goldschmidt played for the Yankees in 2025 and hit .274 with 10 homers and 45 RBIs.
Ben Rice is expected to be the primary first baseman, while Goldschmidt provides a right-handed option against left-handed pitchers.
The move preserves last season’s core, including Trent Grisham and Cody Bellinger, as the Yankees pursue stronger postseason results.

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Banda Designated Assignment

The Los Angeles Dodgers designated Anthony Banda for assignment to clear 40-man space for Ben Rortvedt.
Banda, 32, went 8-3 with a 3.14 ERA over two seasons and contributed to two consecutive World Series victories.
He struggled in the recent postseason, though he was a reliable left-handed reliever.
The Yankees are weighing a claim off waivers; Banda previously had a brief 2022 stint with the Yankees.

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