Nationals Sign Cade Cavalli to Four-Year Extension

A Dominant Comeback Season Earns Long-Term Deal

Cavalli exploded onto the 2026 stage after recovering from his elbow surgery. He went 12-5 with a 3.12 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, and 194 strikeouts in 31 starts, establishing himself as the ace Washington needed Miami Herald. Most impressively, he allowed three or fewer earned runs in 29 of those 31 starts — the best mark in all of Major League Baseball.

The comeback made the extension timing perfect. Before the deal, Cavalli was earning just $862,500 in 2026 under a one-year contract, with a modest $4 million team option for 2027 Myrtle Beach Online. His sudden dominance meant arbitration would have made him expensive — making this extension a win for both sides.

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Extension Covers Critical Free Agent Years

The four-year extension runs through 2030, with a club option for 2031 that could cover one of Cavalli's first free-agent years. This structure gives Washington control over a pitcher entering his prime while giving Cavalli guaranteed money upfront Mahoning Matters. The deal eliminates uncertainty for both the team and the player heading into arbitration in 2027.

Owner Mark Lerner praised Cavalli's character and leadership off the field. Lerner called him a "beloved member of our clubhouse and in the community," signaling that the extension rewards not just his arm but his presence in the locker room.

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Nationals Build Rotation Around Their New Ace

Cavalli's extension is Paul Toboni's first major move as the Nationals' baseball operations president. By locking up their most consistent pitcher long-term, the team signals it's building its next rotation around a pitcher it believes in for the next five years Star-Telegram. This gives Washington stability at the most important position on the mound.

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