In a swift move that sidestepped the drama of a potential arbitration hearing, the Los Angeles Dodgers secured new one‑year deals with outfielder Alex Call, relievers Anthony Banda and Brock Stewart before the MLB arbitration deadline on Thursday. The trio’s agreements, valued at $1.6 million, $1.625 million and $1.3 million respectively, mark a rare moment of contract certainty for the Dodgers’ roster and underscore a broader trend of Dodgers arbitration avoidance that has become a hallmark of the franchise’s front‑office strategy.
Background and Context
Arbitration in Major League Baseball is a high‑stakes process that determines a player’s salary when negotiations stall. For the Dodgers, the last time the team faced an arbitration hearing was in 2020, when outfielder Joc Pederson and reliever Pedro Baez were the subjects of a court‑ordered settlement. Since then, the Dodgers have largely steered clear of the courtroom, opting instead for negotiated agreements that keep the roster stable and the payroll predictable.
With the 2026 season on the horizon, the Dodgers’ front office has been under pressure to lock down key contributors before the arbitration deadline on January 10. The three players in question—Call, Banda and Stewart—had all been in the midst of contract negotiations that could have escalated into arbitration hearings, potentially disrupting the team’s offseason plans.
“We’ve always believed that the best way to keep a team competitive is to avoid the uncertainty that comes with arbitration,” said Dodgers Vice President of Player Personnel, Maria Sanchez. “By reaching agreements early, we give our players the security they need and keep the clubhouse focused on the upcoming season.”
Key Developments
Below are the main points that defined the Dodgers’ recent contract negotiations:
- Alex Call – The 31‑year‑old contact‑first hitter, who joined the Dodgers in a trade with the Washington Nationals at the 2025 deadline, agreed to a one‑year deal worth $1.6 million. Call posted a .267 batting average with five home runs and 31 RBIs over 110 games in 2025, earning a career‑high 1.5 wins‑above‑replacement (WAR). The Dodgers anticipate a larger role for Call in 2026 as utilityman Tommy Edman recovers from ankle surgery.
- Anthony Banda – The 32‑year‑old left‑handed reliever secured a one‑year contract for $1.625 million. In 2025, Banda appeared in a career‑high 75 games, posting a 3.18 ERA, 61 strikeouts and 34 walks. His performance earned him a spot in the Dodgers’ middle‑relief rotation, and the new deal keeps him on the roster for the 2026 season.
- Brock Stewart – The 34‑year‑old right‑hander, who began his career with the Dodgers before moving to the Minnesota Twins, agreed to a one‑year, $1.3 million contract. Stewart made only four appearances for the Dodgers in 2025 before undergoing shoulder surgery in September. The new deal includes a club option for 2027, giving the Dodgers flexibility should Stewart recover fully.
All three agreements were reached before the arbitration deadline, allowing the Dodgers to avoid the procedural delays and public scrutiny that accompany arbitration hearings. The contracts also reflect the Dodgers’ willingness to invest in players who have proven themselves in the majors, even if they are not marquee names.
Impact Analysis
For fans, the immediate benefit is a roster that remains intact heading into spring training. By avoiding arbitration, the Dodgers have sidestepped the risk of losing key contributors to other teams or to the uncertainty of a hearing that could delay roster decisions.
For international students and aspiring professional athletes, the Dodgers’ approach offers a case study in the importance of contract stability. “When you’re a student-athlete from abroad, you’re already navigating a complex landscape of visas, scholarships, and cultural adjustments,” said Dr. Elena Ramirez, a professor of Sports Management at UCLA. “Seeing a major league team prioritize clear, negotiated agreements can be reassuring. It signals that the organization values its players’ well‑being and is committed to a transparent process.”
Moreover, the Dodgers’ arbitration avoidance strategy may influence how other teams structure their negotiations. By demonstrating that early agreements can be mutually beneficial, the Dodgers set a precedent that could reduce the number of arbitration cases across the league, potentially lowering the overall cost of arbitration for MLB as a whole.
Expert Insights and Practical Guidance
For players and agents, the Dodgers’ recent deals highlight several best practices:
- Start Early – Begin contract discussions well before the arbitration deadline. The Dodgers’ front office reportedly began talks with Call, Banda and Stewart in late December, giving both sides ample time to negotiate.
- Know Your Value – Players should be aware of their statistical contributions and market comparables. Call’s 1.5 WAR and Banda’s 3.18 ERA were key metrics that justified their new contracts.
- Maintain Flexibility – Including club options, as seen in Stewart’s deal, can provide both player and team with future flexibility.
- Leverage Team Stability – A stable roster can be a selling point for international players considering MLB. Knowing that a team is not likely to engage in arbitration can reduce the perceived risk of signing.
For international students planning to pursue professional sports careers, the Dodgers’ approach underscores the importance of understanding the contractual landscape. “It’s not just about the money,” said Coach Marcus Lee, a former MLB scout who now mentors college athletes. “It’s about the security and the trust you build with an organization. Arbitration can be a double‑edged sword; it can protect a player’s salary, but it can also create tension. Avoiding it when possible is a sign of a healthy relationship.”
Looking Ahead
As the Dodgers prepare for the 2026 season, the front office will likely continue its focus on early contract negotiations. The team’s recent success in avoiding arbitration may encourage other franchises to adopt similar strategies, potentially reshaping the league’s approach to player compensation.
Meanwhile, the Dodgers’ roster will be tested in spring training as they integrate Call’s expanded role, Banda’s middle‑relief responsibilities, and Stewart’s recovery from shoulder surgery. If the trio performs as expected, the Dodgers could see a more balanced lineup and bullpen depth that will be crucial in a competitive National League West.
For international students and athletes, the Dodgers’ arbitration avoidance offers a blueprint for navigating the complexities of professional sports contracts. By prioritizing clear, negotiated agreements, the Dodgers demonstrate that stability and transparency can coexist with competitive compensation.
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