Cavalli gets $4 million signing bonus shielded from lockout as part of $47 million, 4-year Nats deal

Washington Nationals pitcher Cade Cavalli secured a $4 million signing bonus on November 30, 2022, as part of a $47 million, four-year contract covering 2027-2030. This bonus is shielded from potential losses caused by a possible lockout. Cavalli's annual pay scales are as follows: $4 million in 2027, $7 million in 2028, $10 million in 2029, and $20 million in 2030.

Washington holds a $25 million team option for 2031, which includes a $2 million buyout. The 2030 salary could increase by an additional $5 million if Cavalli finishes in the top five in Cy Young Award voting, while the 2031 option price could rise by up to $7.5 million. Winning a Cy Young Award would grant Cavalli an extra $5 million, while finishing second, third, fourth, or fifth would award him $2.5 million, $1 million, $750,000, or $500,000 respectively.

The 2029 season's Cy Young voting would impact both years and the 2030 salary, which in turn would affect the following season's salary. Cavalli entered the contract in January 2023, agreeing to a one-year deal worth $862,500, with a $4 million team option for 2027 and a $7,500 buyout. This new contract eliminates the team buyout. Cavalli would have been eligible for free agency after the 2029 season.