Nationals Pitcher Cade Cavalli Signs $870,000 Deal, Avoiding Arbitration

The 27-year-old right-hander settles contract dispute with Washington ahead of 2026 season.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 5:57am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a baseball pitcher's windup and delivery, with sharp, overlapping planes of navy, green, and orange, conveying the intricate dynamics of contract negotiations.A cubist interpretation of a pitcher's motion captures the complex negotiations between players and teams during baseball's arbitration process.Washington Today

The Washington Nationals and pitcher Cade Cavalli have reached a one-year, $870,000 contract agreement, avoiding a potentially costly salary arbitration battle. Cavalli, a 2020 first-round draft pick, had initially requested $900,000 while the Nationals offered $825,000, resulting in a $75,000 gap that was the smallest among 18 players facing arbitration this offseason.

Why it matters

The successful contract negotiation between Cavalli and the Nationals highlights the complexities of the MLB salary arbitration process, where players and teams must find common ground on player compensation. Avoiding arbitration can help maintain positive player-team relationships and provide cost certainty for both sides.

The details

Cavalli, a 27-year-old right-handed pitcher, will earn $862,500 this season with a $7,500 buyout on a $4 million team option for 2027. He made his MLB debut in 2022 and had a solid 2025 campaign, going 3-1 with a 4.25 ERA in 10 starts. Cavalli was eligible for arbitration for the first time this offseason after earning $760,200 in the majors and $370,100 in the minors in previous seasons.

  • Cavalli made his MLB debut on August 26, 2022.
  • He missed the 2023 season due to Tommy John surgery, returning to the minors in May 2024.
  • Cavalli rejoined the Nationals' major league roster on August 6, 2025 after a challenging minor league season.

The players

Cade Cavalli

A 27-year-old right-handed pitcher for the Washington Nationals, drafted 22nd overall in 2020 and making his MLB debut in 2022 after recovering from Tommy John surgery.

Washington Nationals

The professional baseball team based in Washington, D.C. that plays in the National League East division of Major League Baseball.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The Nationals and Cavalli will now turn their focus to the 2026 season, with the team option for 2027 providing potential long-term stability for both sides.

The takeaway

The Cavalli contract settlement demonstrates the nuanced negotiations that occur between MLB players and teams during the arbitration process, where finding common ground can benefit both parties and avoid potentially contentious hearings.