Cavalli Signs Extension, Reaches 200 Strikeouts

Washington Nationals pitcher Cade Cavalli agreed to a four-year contract extension on Friday and celebrated by recording his 200th strikeout of the season in a 9-1 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals. The extension guarantees Cavalli $47 million and could be worth up to $70 million if the Nationals exercise a club option for the 2031 season. In the game, Cavalli pitched five scoreless innings, allowing four hits and striking out six batters. He reached the 200-strikeout milestone on his final pitch, a changeup that froze Cardinals hitter JJ Wetherholt. Cavalli is the seventh pitcher in the majors to reach 200 strikeouts this season. Cavalli, 28, has emerged as the Nationals' ace this season, posting a 3.12 ERA with 200 strikeouts in 31 starts. His performance has been particularly strong in the second half, with a 1.90 ERA in 12 starts since the All-Star break. The right-hander was drafted by Washington in the first round of the 2020 draft but missed significant time due to Tommy John surgery in 2023 and subsequent setbacks. He made only 10 starts in 2025 before his breakout 2026 campaign.