In a move that might seem anticlimactic to some, the Los Angeles Dodgers and right-handed pitcher Brusdar Graterol have quietly avoided arbitration, ensuring a smooth start to the offseason. But here's where it gets interesting: Graterol, who missed the entire 2025 season due to injury, will earn the same $2.8 million salary he made the previous year. And this is the part most people miss—it’s not just about the money; it’s about the system. The arbitration process typically sees player salaries rise annually, but when a player sits out an entire season, their pay often stays put. MLBTR contributor Matt Swartz predicted this outcome months ago, and he was spot on. So, while this agreement might not grab headlines, it’s a textbook example of how the arbitration system works in baseball.
By locking in Graterol’s salary now, the Dodgers have effectively trimmed their to-do list ahead of Thursday’s arbitration filing deadline. Originally facing nine arbitration-eligible players this offseason, they’ve now whittled that number down to just three. Tony Gonsolin and Michael Grove were designated for assignment and are now free agents, Evan Phillips was non-tendered, and Ben Rortvedt was claimed off waivers by the Reds. The Dodgers did, however, pick up a club option on Alex Vesia. With Graterol’s situation settled, only Anthony Banda, Brock Stewart, and Alex Call remain undetermined as the deadline looms.
But here’s the controversial part: Is Graterol’s stagnant salary a fair reflection of his value, or does it underscore the harsh realities of injury in professional sports? After all, he was once a key setup man for the Dodgers, boasting a blazing fastball that averaged 99 mph and a ground ball rate of 62.5% from 2020 to 2023. Yet, despite his potential, injuries have derailed his career, limiting him to just seven appearances in 2024 before shoulder surgery sidelined him for all of 2025. Now, with free agency on the horizon in 2027, Graterol will need to stay healthy and regain his form to maximize his earning potential.
At just 27 years old (he won’t turn 28 until August), Graterol still has time to bounce back. But the question remains: Can he return to his pre-injury dominance, or will his health continue to be a stumbling block? And more importantly, how will teams value him in free agency after such an injury-plagued stretch? These are the questions that make this story more than just a routine arbitration update—it’s a tale of resilience, risk, and the unforgiving nature of professional sports.
What do you think? Is Graterol’s salary fair given his injury history, or should the system account for a player’s potential more than their recent performance? Let us know in the comments below!
