Cade Cavalli made four starts for the University of Oklahoma Sooners this season before the coronavirus pandemic brought an end to his junior year.
In those four starts and 23 2⁄3 innings pitched, the 21-year-old right-hander, who was drafted 22nd overall in the first round of the 2020 MLB Draft by the Washington Nationals last night, walked five (1.90 BB/9) and struck out 37 of the 96 batters he faced (14.07 K/9).
Nats’ GM Mike Rizzo and Assistant GM and VP of Scouting Operations Kris Kline said they’d seen enough of Cavalli over the years to feel comfortable making the pitcher their top pick.