Juan Graterol


Juan Jose Graterol Montevideo is a Venezuelan professional baseball catcher in the Minnesota Twins organization. He has played in Major League Baseball for the Los Angeles Angels, Minnesota Twins, and Cincinnati Reds. Graterol made his major league debut in 2016.

Early life

Graterol was born in Maracay, Venezuela.

Career

Graterol was signed as an undrafted international free agent by scout Juan Indriago in 2005, and began his professional career in the Kansas City Royals organization. He played in the New York Yankees organization in 2015. He became a free agent in November 2015.

Los Angeles Angels

He signed with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in January 2016, and was promoted to the major leagues for the first time on July 18, 2016. After Graterol was with the Angels for five days he was optioned to the minor leagues, without having appeared in a game. Graterol was called up and made his major league debut on September 2, 2016, and had 14 major league at bats in the season. He was designated for assignment by the Angels on November 22.

Cincinnati Reds organization

On November 28, 2016, the Cincinnati Reds claimed Graterol off waivers. He was designated for assignment by the Reds in December.

Arizona Diamondbacks organization

He was claimed off waivers by the Arizona Diamondbacks on December 24, 2016. They designated Graterol for assignment on January 13, 2017, after signing Chris Iannetta.

Second stint with Angels

The Angels claimed Graterol off waivers on January 19, 2017. The Angels then waived Graterol again.

Toronto Blue Jays organization

The Toronto Blue Jays claimed him off waivers on January 23, 2017. Graterol was designated for assignment on April 14.

Third stint with Angels

On April 18, 2017, Graterol was traded by the Blue Jays back to the Angels in exchange for cash or a player to be named later. In 2017 he batted.202/.207/.250 with no home runs and 10 RBIs in 84 at bats.
He was designated for assignment on April 4, 2018. He was outrighted to the Salt Lake Bees on May 8. He was designated for assignment on June 19, and released on June 24.

Minnesota Twins

On June 28, 2018, Graterol signed a minor league deal with the Minnesota Twins as a free agent. In the majors with the Twins, he batted.143/.250/.143 in seven at bats.

Second stint with Reds

On October 10, 2018, Graterol was claimed off waivers by the Reds. He was non-tendered on November 30, and became a free agent. On December 3, 2018, Graterol re-signed a minor league deal with the Reds. He was called up to the major leagues on July 17, 2019. On October 16, Graterol was designated for assignment. He elected free agency on October 21.

Second Stint with Twins

On November 26, 2019, Graterol signed a minor league contract with the Minnesota Twins.