Right-handed pitcher Cade Cavalli has a bright future with the Washington Nationals. However, he must shine in spring training to be part of the Nationals’ starting rotation this season.
“There’s nothing really set in stone. Everything’s wide open,” Nationals manager Dave Martinez said, per Bobby Blanco of MASN Sports.
Martinez added that the 24-year-old must “pound the strike zone” consistently.
Cavalli has been the Nationals’ top-rated pitching prospect since being drafted in the first round of the 2020 MLB draft.
Cade Cavalli made his MLB debut last season on Aug. 26 against the Cincinnati Reds. He labored through his only start as he struggled with his command. Cavalli allowed seven runs off six hits, three batters hit, and two walks through 4 1/3 innings.
The Nationals placed him on the injured list with inflammation shortly after that start. He did not make another appearance in the season. Before his call-up, Cavalli made 20 starts with Triple-A Rochester in 2022. He recorded a 6-4 record with a 3.71 ERA and 1.175 WHIP.
Patrick Corbin looks to be at the top of the rotation. The Nationals have two other young arms that have a bright future MacKenzie Gore, who the team landed in the Juan Soto trade last year from the San Diego Padres, and Josiah Gray. Washington added veteran Trevor Williams to the mix.
“We’ll see how he fares in spring training, but he has an opportunity to go out there and become either our fourth or fifth starter,” Martinez added about Cavalli, per Mark Zuckerman of MASN Sports.
If all things go right, Cavalli will join the rotation. That’s a healthy veteran and young mix for a team that lost 107 games last year. If Cavalli disappoints or something goes awry, the Nationals have options.
The club could look to veterans Chad Kuhl, Paolo Espino, or Tommy Romero. Washington also has a trio of veteran minor leaguers with Cory Abbott, Jake Irvin, and Evan Lee, among others.
