Nats agree to terms with 1st-rounder Cavalli
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A smiling Cade Cavalli donned a Nationals jersey with the No. 1 to commemorate his first-round selection in the 2020 MLB Draft.
On Friday, the Nats posted a video to Twitter of Cavalli finalizing his addition to the team. MLB Pipeline's Jim Callis reported on Monday that the deal is for the full assigned slot value for the No. 22 pick of $3.03 million, though official terms were not announced.
“We're a pitching-first organization. That's how I believe we build world championships,” general manager Mike Rizzo said in the video. “Welcome to the family. Couldn't be happier to get you.”
Washington continued its trend of drafting righties with its first overall pick for the third straight year. Cavalli posted a 4.18 ERA with 37 strikeouts to only five walks over four starts (1-2) in a shortened junior season. He was given the green light to call his own pitches, and lauded for his leadership by Oklahoma coach Skip Johnson. Off the field, Cavalli helped build camaraderie by doubling as the Sooners’ team barber.
“I appreciate the opportunity,” Cavalli, 21, said in the video. “I'm ready to get after it. It's going to be fun.”
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The Nationals also agreed with shortstop Sammy Infante, who was drafted with the No. 71 pick, a compensation for Anthony Rendon's departure. The club announced the agreement on Tuesday, as they agreed to terms with all six Draft picks.
Infante's bonus is for $1 million, per MLB Pipeline's Jim Callis. The slot value for the 71st pick is $884,200.
Infante, 18, hit .481 with four doubles, one home run, six walks and three strikeouts in the shortened 2020 season at Monsignor Edward Pace (Fla.) High School. While drafted as a shortstop, he has the versatility to play multiple defensive positions. Infante had committed to the University of Miami, but he made it clear on Draft night he was eager to sign with the Nats.
“As a player, I’m always going to evaluate myself higher than others evaluate me,” Infante said last week. “I know the ins and outs of my game, and I know what I can do and I’m healthy. So I feel there’s no chance to waste. I want to be a baseball player. That’s something I wanted to be my whole life.”
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The Nationals have a pool of $6,647,700 to spend across their picks. They agreed to deals with Oklahoma catcher Brady Lindsly (No. 123) and San Jacinto Junior College lefty Mitchell Parker (No. 153) on Monday. Both deals were below their slot values. The assigned values for their remaining 2020 Draft selections are: right-hander Cole Henry (No. 55), $1.31 million, and right-handed closer Holden Powell (No. 94), $618,200.
Washington also agreed to terms with three undrafted free agents this week: first baseman/outfielder Jackson Coutts (Rhode Island), infielder Gio Diaz (Saint Mary's) and catcher Raymond Torres Jr. (San Jacinto JC).