TORONTO — The Arizona Diamondbacks may not play in this year’s World Series, but their roots are still present.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!As the Los Angeles Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays prepare to face off for the ultimate prize, a few familiar names that Arizona fans will recognize will play in the Fall Classic.
Sep 27, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Anthony Banda (50) against the San Francisco Giants in the ninth inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports
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.
Aug 25, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith (16) and pitcher Anthony Banda (43) celebrate the victory against the Cincinnati Reds at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
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.
Aug 18, 2022; San Francisco, California, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks right fielder Daulton Varsho (12) after the game against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports
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.
Oct 5, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays center fielder Daulton Varsho (5) rounds the bases after hitting a home run in the fourth inning against the New York Yankees during game two of the ALDS round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
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.
May 5, 2008; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Max Scherzer pitches against the Philadelphia Phillies at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Max Scherzer – Toronto Blue Jays
Scherzer began his MLB tenure with the D-Backs after he was drafted by the team in 2006 as the No. 11 overall pick. He made his debut with the team in 2008 and before being traded to the Detroit Tigers in 2009.
The right-handed pitcher then played for five other teams before settling with the Blue Jays this season. Scherzer even pitched against the Snakes in the World Series back in 2023 when he was with the Texas Rangers.
Sep 24, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Max Scherzer (31) watches the ball being retrieved after giving up a single to Boston Red Sox right fielder Wilyer Abreu (52) in the fourth inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
In the regular season, Scherzer posted a 5.19 ERA with a 5-5 record and 82 strikeouts. In the postseason, in one game, he pitched 5.2 innings with five strikeouts and a 3.18 ERA.
Scherzer was never able to make his full mark in Arizona but went on to have success in his career after developing during his short time in the team’s system.
Oct 23, 2025; Toronto, ON, Canada; Signage in place on the dugout before game one of the World Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
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.
World Series, Stadium Edition: Dodger Stadium vs. Rogers Centre 🤔 pic.twitter.com/rQh5mkiv9V
— MLB (@MLB) October 23, 2025
The Los Angeles Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays play Game 1 of the World Series on Friday, Oct. 24, at 5 p.m.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
