Former Diamondbacks to keep an eye on in World Series

Anthony Banda – Los Angeles Dodgers

A left-handed pitcher, Banda’s time with the Diamondbacks was brief but showed promise of his potential. He was a top pitching prospect after being traded to the team in 2014 and making his debut in 2017, but a shuffling roster led to his departure.

Banda was traded to the Tampa Bay Rays in 2018 and subsequently moved among several teams.

However, Banda found success with the Dodgers after being acquired by the team from the Cleveland Guardians in 2024, becoming a mainstay in their bullpen. A threat to left-handed batters, Banda helped lead Los Angeles to its eighth championship that season.

During the regular season, Banda posted a 3.18 ERA and a 5-1 record with 61 strikeouts. In this year’s postseason, he has not allowed a run in 2.2 innings and has three strikeouts.

While he didn’t make much of an impact with the D-Backs, someone who came through the system and became one of October’s most reliable arms will be remembered.

Daultn Varsho – Toronto Blue Jays

Varsho, drafted by Arizona in 2017 and making his debut in 2020, spent more time with the Diamondbacks than Banda and became a fan favorite during his time with the organization. He was traded after the 2022 season to the Blue Jays for catcher Gabriel Moreno and outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr.

Now, he’s becoming a cornerstone for Toronto and one of the best defensive outfielders in the league.

In the regular season, he had a .238 batting average with 20 home runs and 55 RBIs. In the playoffs, Varsho is hitting .273 with two home runs and eight RBIs.

For many fans, watching Varsho take his talent north has been a little painful. Seeing him shine over the years, however, has been a testament to the system that developed him into the player he is today.

Desert Roots

While many baseball fans this weekend won’t bat an eye at their past, Diamondbacks fans will remember these players and when they once wore Sedona Red.

The Valley will have some fingerprints on this year’s World Series, a reminder that Arizona’s baseball influence will be felt even without being in it.

The Los Angeles Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays play Game 1 of the World Series on Friday, Oct. 24, at 5 p.m.