Dodgers Claim Infielder Christian Cairo Off Waivers

Cairo, who has not made his major league debut, joins Los Angeles after the New York Mets designated him for assignment seven days earlier. The Mets had claimed him from the Philadelphia Phillies in September, after the Phillies removed him from their roster.

The 2019 Cleveland Guardians fourth-round pick spent most of this season with Philadelphia’s Triple-A affiliate, then appeared in two games for Triple-A Syracuse. Across 130 Triple-A games, he hit .230 with a .381 on-base percentage and .300 slugging percentage, stole 25 bases in 37 attempts, and drew 92 walks while striking out 76 times.

Cairo appeared at second, short and third base, as well as center and left field, during 2026. The Dodgers have a utility role to fill following Miguel Rojas’ retirement plans and Kiké Hernández’s free agency. Cairo could compete for that spot, though he may also serve as a temporary roster option.

Los Angeles had an open place on its 40-man roster. The club typically makes further changes to the roster during the offseason, but a lockout is expected to begin December 1, which would halt major league roster movement until MLB and the players’ union reach a new labor agreement.

Cairo’s next spring training would be his sixth. In 20 Grapefruit League games with Philadelphia this year, he hit .194, with a .293 on-base percentage and .278 slugging percentage, and recorded one home run and two stolen bases.