Dodgers sign reliever Brusdar Graterol to $2.8 million deal after he missed 2025 season

Dodgers, Reliever Graterol Agree to $2.8 Million Deal as Recovery Continues

The Los Angeles Dodgers have secured right-handed reliever Brusdar Graterol on a one-year contract worth $2.8 million, the team announced Wednesday. The agreement allows the 27-year-old pitcher to avoid salary arbitration while maintaining the same salary he earned during the 2024 season.

Graterol, known for his high-velocity sinker that can reach triple digits, is currently in recovery following November 2024 surgery to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder. The significant injury forced him to miss the entire 2025 season, adding to a concerning pattern of health issues that have limited his availability in recent years.

The Venezuelan reliever has appeared in just seven games since the beginning of 2024, as his career has been increasingly hampered by injuries. Before undergoing shoulder surgery, Graterol had already missed substantial time with shoulder inflammation and a hamstring strain during the 2024 campaign.

Despite these setbacks, the Dodgers’ decision to maintain their investment in Graterol reflects the organization’s belief in his potential value when healthy. Since joining the Dodgers in 2020 as part of a trade with the Minnesota Twins, Graterol has shown flashes of dominance with his power sinker and slider combination.

Over his career, Graterol has compiled an impressive 2.78 ERA across 180 appearances, accumulating a record of 11-9 with 11 saves. His ability to generate ground balls and handle high-leverage situations made him a key piece in the Dodgers’ bullpen during their championship seasons.

The one-year agreement represents a calculated risk for the Dodgers, who are banking on Graterol’s recovery going according to plan. The organization’s medical staff will closely monitor his rehabilitation process as he works toward a potential return to the mound in 2026.

For Graterol, who can become a free agent after the 2026 season, the coming year will be crucial in reestablishing his value. A successful return could position him well for a more substantial contract, whether with the Dodgers or elsewhere.

The Dodgers’ bullpen has undergone significant changes in recent seasons, with the team consistently seeking reliable arms to complement their starting rotation. Graterol, when healthy, has been one of the more dependable options in manager Dave Roberts’ relief corps.

This signing continues the Dodgers’ pattern of maintaining depth throughout their pitching staff, even as they manage several rehabilitation projects. The organization has historically shown patience with injured pitchers, often reaping rewards when they return to form.

The National League West continues to be highly competitive, with the Dodgers facing strong challenges from the San Diego Padres, San Francisco Giants, and Arizona Diamondbacks. Having a fully recovered Graterol available for the 2026 season could prove invaluable in the team’s pursuit of another division title and postseason success.

Baseball analysts note that shoulder surgeries for pitchers can be particularly challenging recovery processes, often requiring more time and caution than elbow procedures. The Dodgers’ medical and training staff have a strong reputation for managing pitcher rehabilitation, which may have factored into the decision to maintain their relationship with Graterol despite his recent injury history.

As spring training approaches, the Dodgers will continue to assess their bullpen needs while Graterol focuses on his structured recovery program, with hopes of eventually reclaiming his role as one of the team’s premier high-leverage relievers.