Nationals Secure Cade Cavalli With Contract Extension

WHO:

MLB Trade Rumors - Cade Cavalli, 28, is a right-hander for the Washington Nationals.

MLB.com - The Nationals are involved in contract extension talks with Cade Cavalli.

WHAT:

MLB.com - Cade Cavalli recorded his 200th strikeout of the season during a game against the Cardinals, marking a significant milestone in his performance.

MLB.com - Cavalli has a 3.02 ERA over 32 starts in his first full Major League season.

MLB.com - Cavalli has held his opponents to three earned runs or fewer in 29 of his 31 starts this season, ranking first among all pitchers.

MLB Trade Rumors - The Nationals signed Cade Cavalli to a four-year deal covering the 2027 to 2030 seasons, with a club option for 2031.

MLB Trade Rumors - The contract is worth $47 million guaranteed, with a potential total of $70 million if the option is picked up.

MLB.com - Cavalli has a record of 12-5 with a 3.12 ERA in 164 2/3 innings across 31 starts this season.

MLB.com - Cavalli has recorded 194 strikeouts, ranking fourth among National League pitchers.

MLB.com - Cavalli ranks eighth in strikeout-to-walk rate (4.04), ninth in WHIP (1.17), and tenth in opponents’ batting average (.233).

WHERE:

MLB Trade Rumors - The contract extension is with the Washington Nationals, a Major League Baseball team.

WHEN:

MLB Trade Rumors - The contract extension was announced on September 18.

MLB Trade Rumors - Cavalli was the Nationals' first-round pick in 2020, selected 22nd overall.

MLB Trade Rumors - Cavalli made his big league debut late in 2022.

MLB Trade Rumors - Cavalli underwent Tommy John surgery in March 2023, missing the entire 2023 season.

MLB Trade Rumors - Cavalli was activated from the injured list in May of the previous year.

WHY:

MLB.com - The Nationals have not signed a player to a contract extension since catcher Keibert Ruiz signed an eight-year, $50 million deal during Spring Training 2023.

MLB Trade Rumors - The Nationals aim to secure Cavalli before he gains more earning power as he approaches free agency.

MLB Trade Rumors - The team has been rebuilding and has had more success with position players than pitchers.

HOW:

MLB.com - The contract extension talks began four or five weeks prior to the announcement.

MLB Trade Rumors - The Nationals and Cavalli reached an agreement after negotiations regarding his arbitration salary, which was initially set at $900,000, with the Nationals countering at $825,000. They eventually agreed on a deal guaranteeing Cavalli $870,000.

Cade Cavalli achieved a remarkable milestone by recording his 200th strikeout of the season during a game against the Cardinals, showcasing his impressive performance with a 3.02 ERA over 32 starts in his first full Major League season. Notably, he has limited opponents to three earned runs or fewer in 29 of his 31 starts, placing him at the top among all pitchers. Meanwhile, the Nationals have not signed a player to a contract extension since catcher Keibert Ruiz's eight-year, $50 million deal was finalized during Spring Training 2023, with extension talks reportedly starting four or five weeks before the announcement.