Three Major League Baseball pitchers—Brusdar Graterol of the Los Angeles Dodgers, Braxton Garrett of the Miami Marlins, and Hayden Wesneski of the Chicago Cubs—have each agreed to one-year contracts with their respective clubs, thereby avoiding arbitration ahead of the 2026 season.
Graterol, a right-handed reliever, has been a key component of the Dodgers’ bullpen in recent seasons. Known for his high-velocity sinker and solid ground ball rate, Graterol helped solidify Los Angeles’ late-inning relief corps in 2025. He earned a reputation for his ability to induce weak contact and limit walks, making him a reliable asset in high-leverage situations. Though the specific financial terms of his deal were not disclosed, the agreement allows both Graterol and the team to plan for the season without the uncertainty of arbitration proceedings.
Left-hander Braxton Garrett has emerged as a dependable starting option for the Miami Marlins. After being selected seventh overall in the 2016 MLB Draft, he has developed into a durable and effective rotation piece. His strong command and effective use of off-speed pitches have contributed to his growing role in one of baseball’s more promising young pitching staffs. By avoiding arbitration, Garrett and the Marlins sidestepped a potentially contentious process, opting instead for a straightforward agreement that ensures his place on the roster for 2026.
Hayden Wesneski, a right-handed pitcher for the Cubs, also reached a one-year deal with his club. Wesneski, acquired by Chicago in a 2022 trade from the New York Yankees, has split time between the rotation and bullpen. Known for a sharp slider and steady development as a young pitcher, he continued to contribute at the Major League level through the 2025 season. The new contract sets the stage for his continued role with the Cubs as the team evaluates its pitching depth moving forward.
These agreements reflect a common practice across MLB, as organizations and players often prefer to avoid the arbitration process, which can strain club-player relationships. With these contracts in place, Graterol, Garrett, and Wesneski can now shift focus to preparing for spring training and the upcoming season.
