Cade Cavalli Chases Third Win as Nationals Build Future Rotation Around Former First-Round Pick
Cade Cavalli, the promising right-handed pitcher for the Washington Nationals, is on the verge of achieving a personal milestone as he steps onto the mound against the Pittsburgh Pirates this Sunday. With two consecutive wins already under his belt this season, Cavalli is not only aiming for a third straight victory but also solidifying his role in the Nationals’ future rotation.
The Path to Recovery and Development
Cavalli’s journey has been anything but straightforward. The 24-year-old, who was selected as a first-round pick in the 2020 MLB Draft, has faced significant challenges, including a serious elbow injury that necessitated Tommy John surgery. After enduring a lengthy recovery process spanning the 2023 and 2024 seasons, the Nationals have exercised patience, allowing him to find his footing as a major league starter. Their cautious approach appears to be paying off.
In his recent outings against the Miami Marlins, Cavalli demonstrated marked improvement. He pitched five innings in both games, yielding two earned runs in each appearance. Across these outings, he allowed a total of 10 hits and two walks while striking out seven batters. Notably, his pitch counts were managed carefully, with 75 pitches thrown on September 2 and 61 on September 8, showcasing his ability to work effectively within the established limits.
Navigating the Ups and Downs
Cavalli’s trajectory earlier in the season was mixed. He had a rough outing against the New York Yankees on August 27, where he struggled significantly, going just 2.1 innings and allowing seven earned runs on eight hits. That performance, however, appears to have served as a turning point, igniting a newfound sharpness in his subsequent starts.
Before his call-up to the majors, Cavalli had split time in the minors, posting a record of 4-7 with a 5.35 ERA over 17 starts. He racked up 79 strikeouts and issued 30 walks in 74 innings pitched. The Nationals had monitored his pitch count in the minors to ensure he was ready for a significant role in the big leagues.
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for Cavalli
As the Nationals look toward the 2026 season, Cavalli’s emergence is crucial. With MacKenzie Gore already established as the team’s ace, the organization is in the process of shaping its rotation for the future. Alongside Cavalli, pitchers Jake Irvin, Brad Lord, and Andrew Alvarez are also under team control, and Trevor Williams is signed for another year, further solidifying the foundation of the pitching staff.
If the new general manager—still to be appointed—maintains the current roster without significant offseason changes, Cavalli is poised to secure a spot in next year’s rotation. With the expectations set high following his first full season post-surgery, he stands on the brink of fulfilling the promise that the Nationals saw in him when they drafted him out of Oklahoma.
Cavalli’s journey is a testament to resilience and potential. As he continues to develop, the Nationals remain hopeful that he will become the pitcher they envisioned, contributing to a brighter future in Washington.
