Cade Cavalli

Cavalli has loud stuff and a clear path to a full season in the Nationals rotation. However a significant shoulder injury suffered in his first MLB start (Aug. 26) clouds his immediate future. He was able to throw pain-free from 60 feet at the end of the season, but he mentioned in an interview after landing on the injured list that he had never felt the kind of shoulder discomfort he was feeling at that time. The big 6-foot-4 righty sits at 96 mph with his fastball while showing off a plus mid-80s curveball and a changeup and slider that have the potential to be plus pitches in time. Cavalli's command and control have lagged behind, and this latest injury adds to the risk. The Nationals won't win many games in 2023 and haven't shown an ability to develop quality starting pitching, so there are factors outside Cavalli's control that lessen his appeal. However, he is still talented enough to merit consideration in most competitive leagues.

Cavalli made good on his billing as one of the very best pitchers in the 2020 draft, striking out 175 in 123.1 innings across stops at High-A, Double-A and Triple-A. The 13.2 BB% he logged at Double-A and Triple-A is the primary blemish on his pro debut, and improving his command and control will be the key to him reaching his ceiling as a frontline starter. He has a mid-90s fourseam fastball that touched triple digits last year and a bevy of quality secondary offerings. His slider is currently his best offspeed pitch, but his curveball and changeup show promise, giving him a complete repertoire. Getting up over 120 innings was a big accomplishment for the 6-foot-4, 226-pound righty, as he'd dealt with some injuries in college. Cavalli will head back to Triple-A with the goal of walking fewer batters, but he should spend a good chunk of the season in the big leagues if he stays healthy. Few pitching prospects can match his fantasy upside.

At 6-foot-4, 226 pounds, the right-handed Cavalli has a prototypical starter's frame with the stuff to match. A former two-way player at Oklahoma, he focused on pitching as a sophomore and his stock took off, with the Nationals popping him with the No. 22 pick in the 2020 draft. He sits in the mid-90s with his fastball and can touch 98 mph. Cavalli also has a plus slider, while his changeup and curveball project as above-average offerings. Back and arm injuries have held him back in prior seasons, and despite a clean, effortless delivery, throwing strikes has been an issue at times, although he only walked five while striking out 37 in 23.2 innings last spring. It would not be surprising if Cavalli ended up being the best pitcher from this historically good class of college arms, but he is also quite risky. He threw over 50 innings after getting drafted and could head to High-A this year.