Dodgers strike deals with Anthony Banda, other arbitration-eligible players

For the sixth year in a row, the Dodgers will not have to deal with any salary arbitration hearings.

Ahead of MLB’s arbitration exchange deadline Thursday, the team agreed to salaries for next season with each of its remaining four arbitration-eligible players, according to sources.

Hard-throwing reliever Brusdar Graterol agreed on Wednesday to a $2.8 million deal. Despite missing all of 2025 recovering from a shoulder surgery last offseason, the right-hander is expected to be a full-go for the start of spring training next month and return to a high-leverage role in the bullpen. Next season is his last under club control before reaching free agency next winter.

Two other key relievers struck deals on Thursday, with left-hander Anthony Banda settling at $1.625 million and right-hander Brock Stewart settling at $1.3 million.

Stewart was a trade deadline acquisition last season, but missed the stretch run of the regular season and all of the playoffs after undergoing his own shoulder surgery in September. His recovery from that procedure could delay him at the start of spring camp.

Banda is entering his third season with the Dodgers, having carved out a role as a reliable left-handed option with a 3.14 ERA in 119 appearances over the last two years.

Outfielder Alex Call also settled on Thursday, agreeing to a $1.6 million deal. Another trade deadline acquisition from last year, the 31-year-old was eligible for arbitration for the first time this offseason. He is expected to factor into the Dodgers’ outfield rotation next year, likely as a right-handed platoon bat.

The deals ensure the Dodgers will avoid going to arbitration hearings with any of their players ahead of next season. The club hasn’t had an arbitration case since 2020, when Joc Pederson and Pedro Báez were unable to reach agreements with the club.

Thursday’s moves also push the Dodgers’ projected luxury tax payroll for next season to more than $345 million, according to Cot’s Baseball Contracts. That is the highest current projected payroll in the majors for 2026, and far beyond the league’s top luxury tax threshold (which means any further money the Dodgers spend this offseason will be taxed at 110%). But it is also still roughly $70 million less than the team’s record-setting payroll from last season.

Because of that, the Dodgers –– who have made only one major addition this offseason, signing closer Edwin Díaz to a $69 million deal during the Winter Meetings –– continue to explore significant upgrades this winter, remaining linked to star free agents Kyle Tucker and Bo Bichette while also canvassing the trade market for potential outfield help.