Nationals Settle Arbitration with Cade Cavalli

The Washington Nationals have successfully settled arbitration with right-hander Cade Cavalli, ensuring a collaborative approach for the upcoming seasons. According to MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand, the agreement includes a one-year contract with a club option for 2027, preventing a potentially contentious arbitration hearing.

Financial Breakdown of Cade Cavalli’s Deal

While financial details were initially unclear, reports indicate that Cavalli will earn $862,500 in 2026. The club option is valued at $4 million, with a buyout set at $7,500, leading to a total guaranteed amount of $870,000 for the player.

Background on Arbitration Negotiations

Cade Cavalli was among 18 players who filed figures in arbitration this year, having submitted a request for $900,000. The Nationals initially proposed a salary of $825,000, creating a $75,000 gap—the smallest among all players involved in arbitration. Despite the small discrepancy, reaching a resolution before a hearing, which teams often approach with a firm stance, was not guaranteed.

Implications of the Agreement

Arbitration negotiations can often lead to strained relationships between players and teams. To avoid such scenarios, the Nationals utilized a strategic loophole by attaching a club option to Cavalli’s agreement, effectively creating a multi-year deal. This maneuver prevents it from being referenced in future arbitration discussions, highlighting flexibility during negotiations.

Cade Cavalli’s Performance and Future Prospects

Looking ahead, Cade Cavalli is poised to build on his performance from 2025, during which he returned to the majors after a stint away. He recorded a respectable 4.25 ERA across ten starts and struck out 18.3% of his opponents while allowing 6.8% of batters to walk. Metrics such as a 4.09 SIERA indicate that Cavalli might serve as a valuable mid-rotation pitcher for the Nationals.

Starting Pitching Landscape for the Nationals

Alongside Cavalli, other potential starters for the Nationals include:

• MacKenzie Gore (pending trade status)
• Foster Griffin
• Brad Lord

Additional options could consist of Josiah Gray, Jake Irvin, and Mitchell Parker, creating a competitive environment for the team’s pitching rotation as they look to strengthen their roster for future seasons.