Interim GM: Cade Cavalli Near Promotion with Nationals

Washington Nationals’ Cade Cavalli on the Brink of a Major League Breakthrough

The Washington Nationals have consistently emphasized that Cade Cavalli is expected to make an impact in the starting rotation this season. This plan has remained unchanged, as confirmed by interim general manager Mike DeBartolo during recent discussions with beat reporters, including the Washington Post’s Andrew Golden.

Cavalli, a former first-round pick in the 2020 draft, has only one Major League appearance to his name. That came in 2022 when he made a single start for the Nationals, allowing six runs and seven hits in 4.1 innings. Despite this early setback, he has remained a top prospect within the organization, frequently appearing on the Nationals’ Top 30 prospects list since being selected out of Oklahoma.

A Long Road Back from Injury

Cavalli missed the entire 2023 season and most of 2024 due to Tommy John surgery. However, he is now fully recovered, and the focus has shifted to gradually building him up for a potential role this season. According to DeBartolo, Cavalli is still viewed as a starter, meaning that when he does arrive, he will be part of the rotation.

“I think Cade is getting very close,” DeBartolo said. “I saw him a couple of weeks ago, maybe three weeks ago in Lehigh Valley, and he had a nice start. It was his first time pitching six innings in a game this year. So just looking for a little more consistency.”

Progress and Potential

Cavalli’s performance this season has been mixed. He is currently 4-6 with a 5.06 ERA across three different minor league affiliates. He has recorded 65 strikeouts and 30 walks in 64 innings. His best work has come with Triple-A Rochester, where he is 3-5 with a 5.89 ERA in 13 starts. In 55 innings, he has 58 strikeouts and 27 walks.

Since his six-inning start against Lehigh Valley on June 20, Cavalli hasn’t managed to go beyond five innings in any of his subsequent outings. However, he has maintained a minimum of five innings in each of his last two starts, including a recent game against Lehigh Valley where he gave up five hits and four runs in 5.1 innings.

The Rotation Situation

Currently, the Nationals’ starting rotation includes MacKenzie Gore, Jake Irvin, Michael Soroka, Mitchell Parker, and Brad Lord. However, DJ Herz and Derek Law are both sidelined with elbow injuries that required major surgery, placing them on the 60-day injured list.

If the team decides to trade either Parker or Soroka before the deadline, it could create an opening for Cavalli to join the rotation as early as next month. This would mark a significant step forward in his development and provide much-needed depth to the pitching staff.

Looking Ahead

DeBartolo remains optimistic about Cavalli’s future, emphasizing that his talent is evident. “His stuff is there, and he's had some good outings,” DeBartolo said. “I'm really happy with how he's progressed. And his outlook and everything else, I'm just looking for a little more consistency.”

As the season progresses, the Nationals will continue to monitor Cavalli’s progress closely. With his health restored and his performance improving, the stage is set for a potential breakthrough that could change the trajectory of his career.