Nationals New Ace Cade Cavalli Upgraded His Pitch Arsenal

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Cade Cavalli, the Washington Nationals' new ace, has added a sweeper pitch to his arsenal this offseason. Cavalli struggled against right-handed hitters in 2025, so the new pitch is aimed at improving his performance against them. The Nationals are hoping the sweeper, which will complement Cavalli's four-seam fastball, sinker, slider, changeup, and curveball, will help him take his game to the next level as the team's top starter.

Why it matters

Cavalli is set to be the Nationals' Opening Day starter in 2026 after the team traded away MacKenzie Gore. The 27-year-old right-hander has elite stuff, but he needs to improve his performance against right-handed hitters in order to cement his status as an ace-level arm for the Nationals.

The details

Cavalli was solid in 10 starts for the Nationals in 2025, posting a 4.25 ERA. However, he had reverse splits, holding left-handed hitters to a .221 batting average while right-handers hit .381 against him. To address this weakness, Cavalli has added a sweeper pitch to his arsenal, which will give him a pitch with horizontal break to pair with his high-velocity four-seam fastball and sinking fastball. The hope is that the new pitch will help neutralize right-handed hitters and allow Cavalli to reach his full potential as the Nationals' new ace.

• Cavalli returned to the big league mound on August 6, 2025 after undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2023.
• Cavalli will be the Nationals' Opening Day starter in 2026.

What’s next

How Cavalli's new sweeper pitch performs during spring training and the early part of the 2026 season will be something to watch, as the Nationals are counting on him to anchor their rotation as their new ace.