WASHINGTON -- Pitcher Cade Cavalli and the Nationals agreed Friday to a four-year, $47 million contract that runs through the 2030 season and includes a team option for 2031.
Cavalli and the Nationals agreed in January to a one-year contract that paid $862,500 this year and had a $4 million team option for 2027 with a $7,500 buyout. As part of the superseding contract, he will not receive the buyout.
Cavalli would have been eligible for free agency after the 2029 season.
"We've seen first-hand 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," president of baseball operations Paul Toboni said in a statement. "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. We're so excited to watch the next chapter of his career unfold here with us."
Cavalli, who turned 28 on Aug. 14, is 13-5 with a 3.02 ERA this season after taking the win in Friday's 9-1 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals. He ranks seventh in the major leagues with 200 strikeouts. He has allowed three earned runs or fewer in 30 of his 32 starts this season, the most in baseball.
Washington selected Cavalli with the 22nd pick in the 2020 amateur draft. He debuted in 2022 then was injured the following spring training and had Tommy John reconstructive elbow surgery that caused him to miss all of 2023 and most of 2024.
Cavalli made it back to the Nationals by August of last year and this season was their Opening Day starter.
"Since we drafted Cade in 2020, we've been continually impressed with who he is as a baseball player and as a human being," owner Mark Lerner said. "He's shown that he not only has the talent to excel as a major leaguer, but he also possesses the high character and leadership qualities that make him a beloved member of our clubhouse and in the community."