The Los Angeles Dodgers claimed infielder Christian Cairo off waivers from the New York Mets on Monday, adding a versatile young shortstop to their organization as the offseason gets underway.
The team confirmed the move on X. “The Dodgers claimed IF Christian Cairo from the New York Mets.”
Cairo, 25, had just re-signed with the Mets on a one-year major-league deal last week before New York designated him for assignment the same day. That sequence allowed the Mets to retain him if he cleared waivers, but the Dodgers stepped in instead.
Philadelphia designated Cairo for assignment on Sept. 13. The Mets claimed him two days later and optioned him to Triple-A Syracuse.
Listed primarily as a shortstop, Cairo has experience at multiple positions. ESPN’s Jorge Castillo noted on X on Nov. 2 that he “started games at six positions.”
In 130 Triple-A games this past season across the Phillies and Mets systems, Cairo slashed .230/.381/.300 with four home runs, 36 RBI and 25 stolen bases. He walked more often than he struck out, drawing free passes at a high rate while showing limited power.
Over 599 career minor-league games, he has hit .226/.360/.314 with 21 home runs, 170 RBI and 130 stolen bases. The right-handed hitter has never appeared in a major-league game.
The Cleveland Indians selected Cairo in the fourth round of the 2019 draft out of Calvary Christian High School in Clearwater, Fla. The Atlanta Braves took him in the 2024 Rule 5 Draft, but returned him to the Guardians after he failed to make the Opening Day roster in 2025.
Cairo elected free agency after the 2025 season and signed a minor-league contract with the Phillies. He spent most of 2026 at Triple-A Lehigh Valley before the late-season waiver claim by the Mets.
He is the son of former major-league infielder Miguel Cairo, who played for nine teams across 17 seasons from 1996 to 2012.
The Dodgers finished the 2026 regular season with a 100-62 record, securing the No. 2 seed in the National League. They defeated the Atlanta Braves 3-1 in the Division Series before falling in a four-game sweep to the Milwaukee Brewers in the Championship Series.
Mookie Betts remains the primary shortstop in Los Angeles, but the club has sought organizational depth at the position and around the infield. Cairo brings speed and defensive flexibility as a non-roster or optionable piece.
Teams often use waiver claims like this to stock depth without committing significant resources. Cairo has two minor-league options remaining, giving the Dodgers flexibility in how they deploy him in 2027.
The move marks an early roster transaction for Los Angeles as free agency and the trade market begin to take shape following the Brewers’ pennant win.
