Cade Cavalli

Cavalli encountered multiple setbacks following March 2023 Tommy John surgery, which led to him going nearly three years in between major-league appearances when he rejoined the Nationals' rotation in August of this past season. The right-hander's velocity not only returned but was actually better, as he averaged 97 mph with his four-seamer. Cavalli picked up plenty of swings and misses with his four-seamer, curveball and changeup with a whiff rate in the 72nd percentile, but a strikeout rate in the 18th percentile didn't match up. Some positive regression in that area is likely, although he could revert in the other direction with his control, as Cavalli's 6.8 percent walk rate in his 10 starts with the Nationals was much better than the 10.5 percent walk rate he posted in the minors. After clearing 120 innings in 2025 between the majors and minors, Cavalli shouldn't face significant workload restrictions in 2026. Read Past Outlooks