We Now Know Whom the Cubs Will Face on Opening Day - Bleacher Nation

"Cavalli was the Nationals' first round pick in 2020, and barely a year later he was at Triple-A. Just a year after that, he was in the big leagues. Unfortunately, the following spring, he blew out his elbow and lost the 2023 season to Tommy John surgery. Double unfortunately, he didn't come back well the next year, and lost most of 2024, as well."

"He managed to work his way back up through the minors to the big leagues in 2025, with mixed results over 10 starts with the Nationals (4.25 ERA, 4.53 FIP, 18.3% K, 6.8% BB, 54.8% GB, 4.4% barrel, 41.3% hard). He managed contact very well, but obviously didn't strike many out."

"All that said, Cavalli is big and strong, and throws really hard. A guy like him, with his prospect pedigree, now a further year removed from surgery and with another offseason to put in work after seeing what the big leagues were like? You could absolutely see him taking a big step forward in 2026."

Cade Cavalli, the Nationals' 2020 first-round pick, will face the Cubs in the 2026 season opener on March 26. After rapid early success reaching Triple-A within a year, Cavalli suffered a career setback with Tommy John surgery in spring 2023, missing that entire season. He struggled upon return in 2024, missing most of that year as well. In 2025, he worked back to the majors with mixed results over 10 starts, posting a 4.25 ERA while managing contact well but striking out few batters. At 27 years old, with his strong arm and prospect pedigree, Cavalli has potential for significant improvement in 2026 after another offseason of development.

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