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By Valentina Martinez
Contributing Sports Writer
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The Los Angeles Dodgers batted 1.000 ahead of Thursday's arbitration deadline.
More news: Phillies’ Bo Bichette Pursuit Puts J.T. Realmuto’s Future in Doubt
The Dodgers had four arbitration-eligible players, but managed to agree to terms with all of them. That list includes relievers Brusdar Graterol, Anthony Banda, Brock Stewart and outfielder Alex Call.
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Graterol was the first of the four to agree to terms with the Dodgers. The right-hander's one-year, $2.8 million deal was announced Wednesday.
Graterol missed all of last season because of a shoulder labrum tear that he sustained in 2024. He worked hard to return for the Dodgers' playoff run, but ultimately announced he would not return.
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Graterol’s last full season with the Dodgers was the 2023 campaign, where he made 68 appearances. The right-hander sported a 1.20 ERA across 67.1 innings pitched.
Banda was the last of the four to agree to terms at a $1.6 million salary to avoid arbitration. Banda produced a 3.18 ERA with 61 strikeouts and 1.215 WHIP across 65 innings pitched in 2025.
The Dodgers and Stewart agreed on a $1.3 million deal to avoid arbitration. The right-hander was a key acquisition for the Dodgers at the trade deadline, but ultimately landed on the injured list with a shoulder injury that sidelined him after just four appearances with LA.
The Dodgers and Call agreed on $1.6 million salary to avoid arbitration. The outfielder was also a deadline acquisition for the Dodgers as the team struggled defensively all season, especially in the outfield.
All three relievers are poised to play a significant role in the Dodgers' bullpen for 2026, a unit that struggled all of last season. As for Call, he could play a more prominent role with LA if the Dodgers fail to land a starting outfielder this offseason.
MLB's Salary Arbitration Explained
MLB insider Jeff Passan explained what MLB's salary arbitration is as players and teams attempted to avoid hearings ahead of the 2026 season.
“Major League Baseball’s salary arbitration system occupies a fascinating space in the sport’s larger labor landscape. Starting this morning, agents will discuss with teams the salaries of around 170 players for the 2026 season. The formal deadline to reach a deal is 1 p.m. ET. The real deadline is 8 p.m,” Passan writes.
“Most will come to an agreement. Some will not. Those players will file a number they want to be paid. The teams will counter with a lower number — sometimes hilariously lower, such as the mere $25,000 spread that nearly sent Casey Mize and the Detroit Tigers to a hearing in 2024. And, yes, if the sides don’t settle, they actually go in front of a three-person panel that witnesses the team talk about all of the things the player doesn’t do well in front of the player himself. It is tremendous theater — and on its stage today happens to be the best pitcher in the world.”
More news: Yankees Intensify Pursuit of Bo Bichette Amid Bellinger Stalemate
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