Dodgers Make Strategic Moves to Avoid Arbitration with Key Players
The Los Angeles Dodgers have successfully navigated the salary arbitration process for four key players, avoiding potentially contentious hearings and securing their players at favorable contracts. The team's moves come ahead of Thursday's deadline, which marks the end of a season-long negotiation period.
Brusdar Graterol was the first to agree on a one-year deal worth $2.8 million, a sum that reflects his impressive performance in 2023 despite missing an entire season due to a shoulder injury. The right-hander posted a strong 1.20 ERA and made 68 appearances for the Dodgers.
Brock Stewart, who was acquired by the team at the trade deadline, followed suit with a one-year contract worth $1.3 million. Despite landing on the injured list after just four games, Stewart's signing sets the stage for him to play a significant role in the Dodgers' bullpen next season.
Anthony Banda and Alex Call rounded out the team's arbitration agreements, both securing deals worth $1.6 million. Banda produced a strong 3.18 ERA with 61 strikeouts across 65 innings pitched in 2025, while Call brings defensive expertise to the outfield after joining the team as a deadline acquisition.
MLB's salary arbitration system is complex and often contentious, with teams and players engaging in high-stakes negotiations ahead of the formal deadline. Agents will discuss salaries for around 170 players this season, with the real deadline set at 8 p.m. ET. While most agreements are reached, some players may file for hearings, which can be a dramatic and public spectacle.
The Dodgers' successful arbitration strategy is a testament to their front office's savvy maneuvering and ability to balance competitiveness with resource management. With these key signings secured, the team will head into the offseason with renewed optimism, poised to contend in 2026.
The Los Angeles Dodgers have successfully navigated the salary arbitration process for four key players, avoiding potentially contentious hearings and securing their players at favorable contracts. The team's moves come ahead of Thursday's deadline, which marks the end of a season-long negotiation period.
Brusdar Graterol was the first to agree on a one-year deal worth $2.8 million, a sum that reflects his impressive performance in 2023 despite missing an entire season due to a shoulder injury. The right-hander posted a strong 1.20 ERA and made 68 appearances for the Dodgers.
Brock Stewart, who was acquired by the team at the trade deadline, followed suit with a one-year contract worth $1.3 million. Despite landing on the injured list after just four games, Stewart's signing sets the stage for him to play a significant role in the Dodgers' bullpen next season.
Anthony Banda and Alex Call rounded out the team's arbitration agreements, both securing deals worth $1.6 million. Banda produced a strong 3.18 ERA with 61 strikeouts across 65 innings pitched in 2025, while Call brings defensive expertise to the outfield after joining the team as a deadline acquisition.
MLB's salary arbitration system is complex and often contentious, with teams and players engaging in high-stakes negotiations ahead of the formal deadline. Agents will discuss salaries for around 170 players this season, with the real deadline set at 8 p.m. ET. While most agreements are reached, some players may file for hearings, which can be a dramatic and public spectacle.
The Dodgers' successful arbitration strategy is a testament to their front office's savvy maneuvering and ability to balance competitiveness with resource management. With these key signings secured, the team will head into the offseason with renewed optimism, poised to contend in 2026.