The Washington Nationals and right-handed pitcher Cade Cavalli have agreed to a one-year deal worth $870,000, avoiding salary arbitration. The agreement, announced Sunday, also includes a team option for the 2027 season, further securing Cavalli’s role in the Nationals’ plans moving forward.
Cavalli, a former first-round pick in the 2020 MLB Draft out of the University of Oklahoma, is among the Nationals’ most promising young pitchers. The 25-year-old was expected to debut as a key piece of the team’s rotation but had his progress stalled due to injury. Despite those setbacks, the Nationals have continued to express confidence in his long-term potential.
This new deal provides both financial clarity and organizational stability as Cavalli continues his development within the club. It also offers the Nationals additional contract flexibility with a team option built into the terms, allowing them to retain Cavalli’s services beyond the 2026 season should he return to form and contribute effectively at the Major League level.
The Nationals have been proactive this offseason in locking in emerging talent, and Cavalli’s agreement fits that pattern. As the team continues its rebuilding process, maintaining a core of young pitching prospects is a central focus. Cavalli has been viewed as a foundational piece alongside other young arms in the organization.
Though he has yet to fully establish himself in the majors, Cavalli’s potential as a front-line starter remains intact. His fastball and advanced pitch mix made him a top prospect in the Nationals’ system, and the club is optimistic about his eventual impact.
By avoiding arbitration, both sides eliminate a potentially contentious negotiation process. The Nationals now have greater cost certainty heading into spring training, and Cavalli can focus fully on his recovery and preparation for the upcoming season.
