Nationals Lock In Cavalli for Future | Washington Nationals News

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The Washington Nationals are reportedly close to agreeing on a contract extension with pitcher Cade Cavalli. This move signals their intention to build their future rotation around the right-hander, who has emerged as a key player for the team. While the specifics of the deal haven't been revealed yet, there's optimism that an agreement will be reached soon. This potential extension comes after a strategic shift by the team's new leadership. Previously, MacKenzie Gore was considered the ace, but the organization traded him to rebuild their farm system.

They then placed their faith in Cavalli, despite his limited major league experience following Tommy John surgery. That gamble has paid off significantly. Cavalli has delivered an impressive earned run average of 3.12 across 31 starts this season. He's shown even greater dominance in the latter half of the year, posting a 2.05 ERA with strong strikeout numbers solidifying his role as the team's top pitcher. The organization sees Cavalli as a foundational piece for the team's future success.

This extension could be the first of many moves as they aim to establish a strong core roster, potentially paving the way for extensions for other promising young players like James Wood and CJ Abrams. This proactive approach to securing their key talent demonstrates a clear vision for the Nationals path forward. It suggests a commitment to building a competitive team around their emerging stars, starting with their ace pitcher.