The Washington Nationals locked up a big piece of their future by signing right-hander Cade Cavalli to a four-year extension, they announced Friday.
The agreement includes a club option in 2031.
Cavalli's new deal is worth $47 million in guaranteed money, a source told The Athletic's Spencer Nusbaum. The contract maxes out at $70 million if the club option is exercised.
The extension delays Cavalli's free agency by at least one season. He had been arbitration-eligible through 2029 and is earning $862,500 this year.
The 28-year-old is in the midst of a breakout campaign, sporting a 3.12 ERA, 3.33 FIP, and 1.17 WHIP along with 194 strikeouts, a 10.6 K/9, and 2.6 BB/9 over 164 2/3 innings. He's allowed more than three earned runs just twice in 31 starts and ranks fourth in the NL in both strikeouts and K/9.
It's been a remarkable comeback season for Cavalli, who missed all of 2023 following Tommy John surgery and had only made 30 total appearances over the last three seasons.
"We couldn't be more excited to have Cade with us for the long haul," Nationals general manager Paul Toboni said in a statement. "We've seen firsthand the work he's put in, the challenges he's overcome, and the way he continues to grow as a pitcher, a person, and a leader. Our organization has tremendous belief in Cade, and, more importantly, we're incredibly proud to have him represent the Washington Nationals for years to come."
Washington drafted Cavalli 22nd overall out of Oklahoma in 2020.
