Dodgers Claim Promising Infielder Off Waivers from Mets

The Los Angeles Dodgers have claimed infielder Christian Cairo off waivers from the New York Mets, the team announced on Monday. Los Angeles had three open roster spots available prior to Cairo’s arrival, so no corresponding move has to be made. He was signed by New York and then designated for assignment last week. Trick of the System? It appears that New York was hoping that Cairo would clear waivers so they could hold on to him. Apparently, the salary that Cairo was signed to was supposed to be a deterrent to prevent other clubs from claiming him. Money, at least for now, is no deterrent for Los Angeles despite recent volatility with Dodgers ownership . Cairo is not arbitration-eligible. Meandering Journey The 25-year-old has yet to make his major-league debut. He spent the end of the 2026 season with Triple-A Syracuse in the Mets organization. He had a batting average of .230 from the right side of the plate. He can play several positions on the diamond, including second and third base as well as shortstop. Cairo was signed out of high school by the Cleveland Guardians, but has spent the majority of his career in the Philadelphia Phillies system after being claimed by the Atlanta Braves in the Rule 5 draft. He didn’t make the major-league roster, so he was returned to the Guardians before moving to Philadelphia. What the Dodgers Are Getting With the attention Cairo is getting from multiple teams, some must think there is some talent that hasn’t surfaced yet. The bat is a work in progress. Along with the batting average, the youngster does not walk or strike out a lot. He is a perfect fit to be a utility player. Cairo is more known for his glove and his adaptability to more than one infield position, although he is most comfortable at shortstop. The Last Word It is no secret that the Dodgers value adaptable players who can play more than one place on the diamond. Cairo is also below the age of thirty, which serves the Dodgers’ quest for a youth movement. However, third and most importantly, Los Angeles has an organizational need in the middle infield. Miguel Rojas retired, and Kiké Hernández chose free agency  and may not re-sign with the Dodgers for 2027. Tommy Edman , Mookie Betts , and Hyeseong Kim need someone to back them up next season. Alex Freeland hasn’t been a sure thing thus far in his career. Christian Cairo gives them another option.   More Baseball News: 3 Former Top Prospects the Pirates Should Consider Signing 2025 Arizona Fall League Award Winners: Where Are They Now? Report: Phillies Interested in Ha-Seong Kim   Main Photo Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images