Nationals' Cade Cavalli Shields Part of New Contract from Potential MLB Lockout

Details have emerged about Washington Nationals starting pitcher Cade Cavalli's new four-year, $47 million contract, initially revealed last Friday.

Notably, the Associated Press reported that on Nov. 30, Cavalli will receive a $4 million signing bonus, which the AP described as "a payment shielded from potential losses caused by a possible lockout" in the 2027 season.

The AP noted Cavalli's salaries will be $4 million (2027), $7 million (2028), $10 million (2029) and $20 million (2030). The Nats have an option in 2031 to keep Cavalli aboard for $25 million or buy out that season for $2 million.

The 28-year-old Cavalli went 13-5 with a 3.02 ERA (1.155 WHIP) over 32 starts (169.2 innings) this season. He also struck out 200 batters.

Cavalli's final appearance was on Friday, when he threw five shutout innings and struck out six in a 9-1 win over the St. Louis Cardinals. He's now done for the season, per Spencer Nusbaum of The Athletic, who explained why.

Cavalli was the Nationals' top starter this year, and he's in line to be the team's ace this year.

Of course, there's much concern about the status of the 2027 season since the current Major League Baseball collective bargaining agreement will expire on December 1 if a new agreement isn't reached.

Per an ESPN report on Sept. 2, owners' insistence on instituting a salary cap (and players' resistance to one) is the biggest issue, to the point that some players interviewed anonymously have concerns about whether teams will play all 162 games.

As of now, a full schedule is on the table for 2027, but Cavalli's contract has a safeguard in place for the starting pitcher in case time is missed.