Dodgers, Brusdar Graterol Agree to $2.8M Deal to Avoid Arbitration

The Los Angeles Dodgers and Brusdar Graterol have reportedly agreed to a $2.8 million contract, avoiding arbitration ahead of Thursday’s deadline, according to Robert Murray of FanSided. The deal ensures the right-handed reliever remains with the Dodgers as he works toward returning to full health for the 2026 season.

Graterol, 27, joined Los Angeles in 2020 after being acquired from the Minnesota Twins. While his tenure with the Dodgers has seen fluctuations, he established himself as one of the game’s premier relievers in 2023, posting a 1.20 ERA over 68 appearances. That performance highlighted his potential as a dominant late-inning arm in a championship-caliber bullpen.

Injuries have interrupted Graterol’s momentum. He appeared in only seven games in 2024 due to health concerns and missed the entire 2025 season following shoulder surgery. The Dodgers are optimistic he will be ready for Opening Day in 2026, reinforcing their bullpen with a high-upside arm.

Los Angeles, coming off back-to-back World Series titles, views Graterol as a key piece for sustaining postseason success. When healthy, his velocity and strikeout ability make him one of the top right-handed relievers in the sport, and the Dodgers remain committed to helping him regain his form.

1. Career Highlights and Performance

Graterol’s rise with the Dodgers has been defined by dominant stretches of relief pitching. His 2023 season stands out as a career benchmark, with 68 appearances and a 1.20 ERA showcasing his effectiveness in high-leverage situations. That year confirmed his ability to handle late-inning pressure and contribute to championship-caliber teams. After a limited 2024 season due to injuries, Graterol’s development faced a setback. Shoulder issues forced him to miss significant time, culminating in surgery that sidelined him for the entirety of 2025. Despite these challenges, the Dodgers’ confidence in his talent has remained unwavering. At just 27 years old, Graterol still possesses the physical tools and experience to reestablish himself as one of baseball’s premier relievers. His velocity, strikeout capability, and proven track record make him a valuable asset once fully recovered. The contract reflects both Graterol’s potential and the Dodgers’ desire to secure his services while providing stability for their bullpen. Avoiding arbitration ensures focus remains on his recovery and preparation for the upcoming season.

2. Dodgers’ Bullpen Strategy

The Dodgers have built one of the most consistent and effective bullpens in baseball, contributing significantly to their consecutive championships. Adding Graterol back into the mix enhances depth and provides another weapon in high-leverage situations. Los Angeles still has arbitration-eligible pitchers, including Anthony Banda and Brock Stewart, who could be signed before the January 8 deadline. Graterol’s agreement sets a tone for the rest of the bullpen negotiations, allowing the team to plan for rotation and relief contributions efficiently. When healthy, Graterol can serve in multiple late-inning roles, including setup and closer situations. His ability to generate swings and misses gives the Dodgers flexibility in managing workloads and matchups throughout a long season. The organization’s track record in rehabbing pitchers adds confidence that Graterol can return to peak form. Los Angeles has consistently helped high-upside arms regain velocity and consistency, and Graterol’s youth and experience make him an ideal candidate for a successful comeback.

3. Looking Ahead to 2026

The 2026 season represents a pivotal opportunity for Graterol. Returning from a year-long absence will be challenging, but the Dodgers’ infrastructure, coaching, and medical staff are well-equipped to support his recovery and reintegration into the bullpen. Maintaining health and durability will be critical for Graterol to reach his potential. His presence could be a deciding factor in close games, particularly in postseason scenarios where a dominant right-handed reliever is invaluable. For Los Angeles, securing Graterol provides both stability and upside. His return offers continuity in a bullpen that has been central to the team’s recent success, reinforcing the Dodgers’ goal of sustaining their championship window. As the season approaches, monitoring Graterol’s progress will be key for fans and analysts alike, with anticipation high for a reliever capable of impacting late innings and shaping the Dodgers’ postseason aspirations.