The Washington Nationals and right-hander Cade Cavalli reached an agreement on a one-year contract valued at $870,000, successfully avoiding salary arbitration. The deal, finalized on January 8, 2024, includes a team option for the 2027 season valued at $4 million with a buyout of $7,500.
Cavalli’s arbitration figures showed he requested $900,000, while the Nationals proposed $825,000. The $75,000 difference in proposed salaries was the smallest among the 18 players who could not reach agreements with their respective teams on arbitration day. The final agreement results in Cavalli earning $862,500 this year, which is the midpoint between the two filing amounts.
Cade Cavalli’s Career and Recent Performance
At just 27 years old, this marks Cavalli’s first eligibility for arbitration. He made a notable return to the major leagues in 2025 after a series of setbacks, going 3-1 with a 4.25 ERA across 10 starts. His previous salary in the major leagues was $760,200, while he earned $370,100 during his time in the minors, accumulating a total of $579,832 in earnings.
Cavalli’s journey has not been without challenges. Selected by the Nationals with the 22nd overall pick in the 2020 amateur draft, he made his major league debut on August 26, 2022. Unfortunately, his season was cut short due to an arm injury sustained during a spring training game against the New York Mets on March 14, 2023. He underwent Tommie John surgery shortly thereafter.
After beginning a minor league rehabilitation assignment on May 20, 2024, Cavalli made only three appearances, totaling 8 1/3 innings. In 2025, he started the season at Class A Fredericksburg, before quickly moving up to Double-A Harrisburg on April 24 and Triple-A Rochester just five days later. He returned to the major leagues on August 6, following a challenging season where he recorded a 4-17 record with a 5.47 ERA in 17 minor league starts.
Upcoming Arbitration Hearings
Cavalli’s successful negotiation leaves 17 players still facing arbitration hearings scheduled between January 26 and February 13 in Scottsdale, Arizona. Notably, two-time AL Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal has requested a record $32 million, while the Detroit Tigers have countered with an offer of $19 million.
As the offseason progresses, Cavalli’s contract reflects a commitment from the Nationals to invest in the young pitcher while allowing him the opportunity to prove his value on the field.
