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The Nationals have finalized a four-year contract extension with right-hander Cade Cavalli with a club option in 2031, the team announced. Cavalli’s extension begins in 2027 and buys out one year of free agency.

Cavalli, a 2020 first-rounder, has blossomed into the staff ace this season. He’s 12-5 with a 3.12 ERA, which is 14th in the majors. After injuries limited Cavalli to just 11 major league starts entering this season, the right-hander adjusted his recovery routine between starts to ensure his health over the full duration of the season.

“We couldn’t be more excited to have Cade with us for the long haul,” said president of baseball operations Paul Toboni in a statement. “We’ve seen firsthand the work he’s put in, the challenges he’s overcome and the way he continues to grow as a pitcher, a person and a leader. Our organization has tremendous belief in Cade, and, more importantly, we’re incredibly proud to have him represent the Washington Nationals for years to come.”

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“We are thrilled that Cade and his family will remain part of the Washington Nationals for years to come,” said owner Mark D. Lerner in a statement. “Since we drafted Cade in 2020, we’ve been continually impressed with who he is as a baseball player and as a human being. He’s shown that he not only has the talent to excel as a Major Leaguer, but he also possesses the high character and leadership qualities that make him a beloved member of our clubhouse and in the community.”

He’s been a steady presence for a Nationals pitching staff that has defined by inconsistent outings from other starters and bullpen blowups. Manager Blake Butera has referred to Cavalli as a No.1 caliber of pitcher numerous times this season.

And Cavalli embraces that mindset. Injuries took a mental toll, knowing that his career was in the balance. Now that he’s finally healthy and able to showcase the talent in his right arm, Cavalli, 28, is relishing the opportunity to go out there and compete.

It’s important that the Nationals extended one of their promising building blocks. Since the 2019 World Series win, Nationals fans have become accustomed to seeing their stars traded rather than extended. But Toboni came from Boston, an organization that has been proactive to sign young talent — such as Ceddanne Rafaela, Roman Anthony and Garrett Crochet — to long-term extensions.

The last extension the Nationals handed out was to catcher Keibert Ruiz, who signed an eight-year deal in 2023.