UPDATE: The Washington Nationals and right-hander Cade Cavalli have just announced a critical agreement, finalizing a one-year contract worth $870,000 and successfully avoiding salary arbitration. This deal, confirmed on January 7, 2024, also includes a 2027 team option valued at $4 million with a $7,500 buyout.
The agreement comes after Cavalli and the Nationals exchanged proposed arbitration salaries on January 8. Cavalli initially requested $900,000, while the Nationals countered with an offer of $825,000. The resulting $75,000 gap was the smallest among the 18 players facing arbitration this year.
Cavalli, 27, is entering his first arbitration phase after a tumultuous few years. He made a promising return to the big leagues on August 6, 2025, pitching 4 1/3 scoreless innings against the Athletics and securing his first major league win on August 16 against the Philadelphia Phillies. This resurgence follows a lengthy recovery from Tony John surgery after an arm injury sustained in March 2023.
This contract represents a significant milestone for Cavalli, who previously earned $760,200 in the majors and $370,100 in the minors, totaling $579,832 in earnings over his career. Drafted by the Nationals as the 22nd overall pick in the 2020 amateur draft, he made his big league debut on August 26, 2022, but faced significant setbacks due to injury.
As the Nationals solidify their roster, seventeen players are still scheduled for arbitration hearings, set to take place between January 26 and February 13 in Scottsdale, Arizona. In a notable case, two-time AL Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal has filed for a record $32 million, while the Detroit Tigers have offered him $19 million.
This agreement not only impacts Cavalli’s future but also reflects the ongoing negotiations and financial strategies within Major League Baseball. Fans and analysts will be watching closely as more contracts are finalized in the coming weeks.
With Cavalli’s performance and potential now back on track, the Nationals look to leverage his talent as they prepare for the upcoming season. Stay tuned for further updates on player negotiations and team developments as the arbitration period unfolds.
