The Los Angeles Dodgers were able to avoid the arbitration process with four key players after they agreed to new salary figures for the 2026 MLB season.
The Dodgers were able to come to terms with relief pitchers Anthony Banda, Brusdar Graterol and Brock Stewart, as well as outfielder Alex Call, prior to Thursday’s 5 p.m. deadline.
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As expected, the Dodgers went 4-for-4 with their arbitration eligible players with no hearings necessary.
Brusdar Graterol
The Los Angeles Dodgers and reliever Brusdar Graterol agreed at a $2.8 million salary for the 2026 season, avoiding arbitration. The right-hander’s one-year deal was announced Wednesday.
Graterol missed all of last season due to a shoulder labrum tear that he sustained in 2024. There was speculation the right-hander would return for the postseason, but he announced he would not be returning in October.
Graterol’s last full season was the 2023 campaign, where he made 68 appearances. The right-hander sported a 1.20 ERA across 67.1 innings pitched.
Anthony Banda
The Dodgers and reliever Anthony Banda have agreed at a $1.6 million salary to avoid arbitration. He was the last of the four Dodgers players to agree to terms.
Banda sported a 3.18 ERA with 61 strikeouts and 1.215 WHIP across 65 innings pitched last season. The left-hander was one of the few relievers who remained healthy throughout 2025.
Alex Call
The Dodgers and outfielder Alex Call agreed to a $1.6 million deal to avoid arbitration.
The Dodgers acquired Call at the trade deadline in a deal with the Washington Nationals. As L.A. prepared to make another deep playoff run, the Dodgers snagged Call to provide outfield depth.
Call has the ability to play all three outfield positions and specializes against left-handed pitchers.
Brock Stewart
The Dodgers and reliever Brock Stewart agreed to a $1.3 million deal to avoid arbitration.
Like Call, Stewart was acquired by the Dodgers at the deadline. The right-hander was sent to L.A. in exchange for outfielder James Outman.
Stewart was poised to play a pivotal role for L.A. in 2025, but sustained a shoulder injury after making just four appearances for the Dodgers. The right-hander missed the postseason and ultimately underwent surgery on his right shoulder in late September.
He is expected to be ready for most of the 2026 season, according to general manager Brandon Gomes.
What is MLB’s Salary Arbitration?
MLB insider Jeff Passan broke down what MLB’s salary arbitration system is, and why it’s important for both the team and player.
“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.”
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Photo Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
One Response
I think Banda deserved a bigger raise as he has been one of their best relievers ever since he joined the Dodgers. I also hope that Graterol finally stays healthy for a change. If he can’t stay healthy he needs to go somewhere else. Call and retread Stewart have a lot to prove this year, that they can stay healthy and contribute to the team. So far Call has had glimpses of success.. Stewart was here long enough before he got hurt so he has a lot to prove that last year with the Twins was not an aberration. I hope they all have big years.