The Washington Nationals didn't seem to be in the mood to compromise.
They had been set to take right-handed pitcher Cade Cavalli to salary arbitration over $75,000.
That's what ESPN's Jeff Passan reported earlier this month. The Nats submitted a value of $825,000 for Cavalli, and his side countered with $900,000.
Has Cavalli battled injuries and ineffectiveness since his days as a highly touted prospect? Yes.
Is that worth $75,000 and the potentially contentious hearing that can exist in the arbitration process? Doesn't seem like it.
MORE: An Air Force Captain will pitch for Team USA at the World Baseball Classic
In the end, the Nats reached a compromise.
Cavalli has signed to earn $862,500 for the upcoming season.
Yes, that's exactly halfway between the two submitted numbers.
MLB.com's Mark Feinsand reported the agreement on Sunday morning.
Cade Cavalli and the Nationals have settled and will avoid arbitration, per source. Cavalli will earn $862,500 in 2026 and the Nats have a club option worth $4 million ($7,500 buyout) for 2027.
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) January 18, 2026
Cavalli isn't a sure thing to contribute much to the Nationals this season.
But it still has to feel much better for everyone involved to come to this agreement and avoid a trip to arbitration.
More MLB news:
- Team USA's projected WBC lineup is incredible
- Dominican Republic's projected WBC lineup is fierce
- Red Sox are paying Manny Ramirez same 2026 salary as Dodgers are paying Shohei Ohtani
- Why Blue Jays let Bo Bichette leave in free agency for the Mets
- MLB looking at realignment into East-West arrangement
- Hunter Pence's nephew has the best name and a 100 MPH fastball