On February 10, 2020, Brusdar Graterol became a Los Angeles Dodger. The young right-hander was acquired by the Dodgers through a trade with the Minnesota Twins.
This move added a promising arm to the Dodgers’ bullpen and helped bolster their chances of making a strong run at the World Series.
Background on Graterol
The Minnesota Twins’ decision to trade Brusdar Graterol to the Los Angeles Dodgers was one of the most talked-about moves in the 2020 Major League Baseball offseason.
Graterol’s early career, rise to prominence in the minor leagues, and strengths and weaknesses as a player provide context for this high-profile trade.
Graterol’s Early Career
Brusdar Graterol was born in Venezuela in 1998 and signed with the Twins as an international free agent in 2014. He began his professional baseball career in 2015 in the Dominican Summer League, and then moved on to play in the United States in 2016.
Rise to Prominence in the Minor Leagues
Graterol’s talent was evident from the start of his minor league career. He made his first appearance in Class A in 2017, striking out a season-high 11 batters in just over four innings of work.
In 2018, he played in High-A and Double-A, and was named the Twins Minor League Pitcher of the Year. His fastball, which can reach triple digits, and his developing slider made him a top prospect in the Twins organization.
Graterol’s Strengths and Weaknesses as a Player
Brusdar Graterol’s strengths include his impressive fastball and his ability to generate swings and misses. He was a dominant closer in the minor leagues, relying heavily on his fastball as he struck out batters at a high rate.
His weaknesses, however, include his lack of control and his history of injuries. He underwent Tommy John surgery in 2016 and missed time with shoulder and oblique issues in 2019.
Ultimately, the Twins’ decision to trade Graterol to the Dodgers was based on several factors, including concerns about Graterol’s health and his readiness to be a starting pitcher in the major leagues.
In exchange for Graterol, the Twins acquired Kenta Maeda, a proven major league pitcher who can immediately contribute to their rotation, along with outfielder Luke Raley and a draft pick.
Time will tell whether this trade was a win for the Twins or the Dodgers, but Brusdar Graterol’s early career, rise to prominence in the minor leagues, and strengths and weaknesses as a player are important factors to consider when evaluating the deal.
The Trade: Twins and Dodgers
On February 10, 2020, the Minnesota Twins traded pitcher Brusdar Graterol, outfielder Luke Raley, and the 67th pick in the 2020 MLB draft to the Los Angeles Dodgers for starting pitcher Kenta Maeda, minor league infielder Jaír Camargo, and cash considerations.
The trade was primarily focused on the exchange of Graterol and Maeda, who were seen as potential starters for their respective new teams.
Analysis of the Trade for Both Teams
For the Dodgers, the acquisition of Graterol is a significant addition to their already dominant bullpen. Graterol, who made his MLB debut in 2019, is known for his high-velocity fastball and could potentially be an elite closer for the Dodgers.
The team also received Raley, who is a promising outfielder with decent power and speed, and the 67th pick in the draft, which could be valuable in the long-term.
For the Twins, the deal was made to strengthen their starting rotation, which was previously lacking in depth. Maeda, who was a solid starter for the Dodgers in 2019, is expected to fill a spot in the Twins’ rotation and provide quality innings.
The team also received Camargo, who is a relatively unknown prospect but could provide depth for their infield in the future. The cash considerations involved in the trade may have also played a role in the Twins’ decision to make the deal.
The Role of Graterol in the Trade
Graterol was the key player in this trade and was heavily sought after by the Dodgers. The 21-year-old right-hander was ranked as the Twins’ top pitching prospect and showed flashes of brilliance during his time in the MLB.
However, concerns over his long-term durability and injury history may have led to the Twins’ decision to trade him.
The Dodgers’ acquisition of Graterol is a clear indication of their commitment to building a strong bullpen.
His high-velocity fastball and ability to induce ground balls make him an ideal candidate for the closer role. It remains to be seen how the Dodgers will use him, but his potential is undeniable.
Overall, the trade between the Twins and Dodgers was a win-win for both teams. The Dodgers added a promising young pitcher to their already stacked bullpen, while the Twins acquired a solid starter to fill a position of need.
The inclusion of minor leaguer Jaír Camargo and cash considerations add depth and flexibility for both teams moving forward.
Graterol’s Fit on the Dodgers
How Graterol Fits Into the Dodgers’ Pitching Staff
Graterol, a hard-throwing right-handed pitcher, could be used in multiple roles by the Dodgers. He has shown the ability to pitch in late innings and has previously been used as a closer for the Minnesota Twins.
The Dodgers have a strong bullpen, but Graterol’s power arm and versatility make him an intriguing addition to their pitching staff.
He could be used to bridge the gap between the starter and setup men or to close out games if Kenley Jansen struggles again this season.
Potential for Graterol to Be a Key Player for the Dodgers
Graterol has the potential to be a key contributor for the Dodgers given his raw talent and the team’s need for additional bullpen depth.
While he has faced injury issues earlier in his career, he appears to have put those problems behind him. If he can remain healthy and harness his command, he can become a valuable asset for the Dodgers both in the short term and in the long run.
Analysis of Graterol’s Strengths in Relation to the Dodgers’ Needs
Graterol’s strengths include his velocity and power, which give him the potential to be a late-inning weapon in the Dodgers’ bullpen.
His fastball has touched triple digits on several occasions, making it a formidable weapon against opposing hitters.
Additionally, his slider and changeup have shown promise at times, showing he has the potential to develop into a well-rounded pitcher.
The Dodgers are one of the most talented teams in the league, but their bullpen has been a weakness in the past.
Graterol’s power arm and ability to pitch in multiple situations should alleviate some of the pressure on the Dodgers’ bullpen.
If he can stay healthy, Graterol has the potential to develop into a key piece of the Dodgers’ bullpen puzzle for years to come.
Graterol’s Expectations for the 2020 Season
The Los Angeles Dodgers acquired Victor Graterol in a trade with the Minnesota Twins in February 2020. As Graterol was a highly touted prospect with an impressive arm, many baseball fans and analysts expected him to play a significant role on the Dodgers’ roster in the 2020 season.
Graterol’s Goals and Expectations for the Season
As a rookie starting his career in a new team, Graterol likely aimed to make a good first impression and build his reputation with his new teammates and fans.
He likely hoped to earn a spot in the Dodgers’ bullpen and contribute to the team’s success in any way possible.
Projections for His Role on the Team
Before the start of the season, Graterol was projected to pitch out of the bullpen and serve as a reliever for the Dodgers.
He was expected to become an important arm in the Dodgers’ bullpen, especially in late-inning situations where his fastball could provide a boost to the team’s already impressive pitching staff.
With his high velocity and powerful arm, Graterol was anticipated to be a setup man who could eventually take over the closer’s role in the future.
Analysis of Graterol’s Potential Impact for the Dodgers
The Dodgers had high hopes for Graterol’s potential impact on the team in the 2020 season. Although the season was shortened to 60 games due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Graterol still had the opportunity to make an impact for the Dodgers.
Throughout the season, Graterol showcased his powerful fastball, often clocking triple digits on the radar gun. He recorded a 3.09 ERA in 18 games, pitching a total of 23.1 innings for the Dodgers.
Graterol’s impact was most felt in the postseason, where he made several key appearances as a reliever.
Despite giving up a home run in his first playoff appearance, Graterol bounced back and pitched well in the following games.
His performance in Game 7 of the National League Championship Series against the Atlanta Braves was especially notable, as he pitched two scoreless innings and helped the Dodgers secure their spot in the World Series.
In conclusion, although the season was short, Graterol showed that he had the talent to become a key contributor for the Dodgers.
As the team looks ahead to the coming years, Graterol is expected to continue improving and evolving as a player, potentially becoming a dominant force in the Dodgers’ bullpen.
Who Did the Dodgers Get in the Pedro Martinez Trade?
The Trade
Pedro Martinez for Delino DeShields On November 19, 1993, the Los Angeles Dodgers traded 22-year-old starting pitcher Pedro Martinez to the Montreal Expos for 25-year-old second baseman Delino DeShields.
The Hype
Two young potentials in one trade The trade was considered a game-changer at the time because it involved two rising stars who were both considered among the best young talents in their respective positions.
Delino Deshields’ Career With the Dodgers
DeShields played for the Dodgers from 1994 to 1996, batting .246 with 23 home runs, 97 RBIs, and 178 stolen bases. He was primarily used as a leadoff hitter because of his speed on the basepaths.
Pedro Martinez’s Career With the Expos
Martinez went on to have a legendary career with the Expos and Boston Red Sox, winning three Cy Young Awards and amassing 3,154 strikeouts over 18 seasons. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest pitchers of all time.
The Aftermath
Who won the trade? In retrospect, the trade is considered a lopsided victory for the Expos, as Martinez became one of baseball’s all-time greats while DeShields had a solid but unspectacular career.
However, at the time, it was seen as a bold move by both teams to acquire young, promising talent.
What Happened to Graterol?
Brusdar Graterol Held Out of Game
Dodgers player Brusdar Graterol was held out of Thursday’s game against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Reason for Absence
Graterol was held out of the game due to back tightness.
Details on Back Tightness
It is unclear how severe Graterol’s back tightness is or how long he will be out of games. – Back tightness can be a common issue for athletes, especially those who engage in repetitive motions or who may have previously suffered back injuries.
Impact on Dodgers
Graterol is a valuable member of the Dodgers bullpen. – His absence could potentially impact the team’s ability to close out games or maintain leads.
Potential Return
It is likely that Graterol will undergo treatment and rest to alleviate his back tightness. – It is unclear when he will be able to return to games, but the Dodgers will likely monitor his progress closely to ensure his health and readiness for gameplay.
To Recap
The Dodgers’ acquisition of Brusdar Graterol was a smart move that demonstrated their commitment to improving their team and competing at the highest level.
With his electric stuff and potential for greatness, Graterol could be a key contributor for the Dodgers both now and in the future.
Time will tell whether this trade will pay off, but for now, Dodgers fans can be excited about the possibilities that Graterol brings to the team.
