The Philadelphia Phillies are set to open their 2026 season on Thursday, finalizing their 40-man roster ahead of Opening Day. To strengthen their infield, the Phillies added Christian Cairo, a career minor leaguer with experience in the Cleveland and Atlanta systems.
Cairo, drafted by Cleveland in the fourth round of the 2019 MLB Draft and later selected in the 2024 Rule 5 Draft by the Braves, spent last season with Triple-A Columbus, hitting .237 with 33 stolen bases and a .669 OPS.
Cairo had an upward mobility clause in his minor-league deal, allowing him to leave if not added to the Major League roster.
The Phillies obliged, adding him to the 40-man roster and optioning him to Triple-A, which meant catcher Garrett Stubbs was designated for assignment to make room.
Stubbs, a popular clubhouse presence, spent most of 2025 between Triple-A Lehigh Valley and the majors, and now faces waivers, though he could return on a minor-league deal if unclaimed.
Cairo joins a crowded Phillies infield that includes Bryce Harper, Bryson Stott, Trea Turner, Alec Bohm, Edmundo Sosa, and Dylan Moore, but he will be the only 40-man infielder starting the season in the minors.
Meanwhile, the Phillies will rely on J.T. Realmuto and Rafael Marchán behind the plate and have finalized their 26-man Opening Day roster.
Although Cairo’s addition was unexpected, he provides valuable infield depth, and with Opening Day just a day away, Phillies fans are eagerly awaiting the return of their team to the field.
