Cleveland Guardians Reconnect with Promising Infielder
The Cleveland Guardians have re-signed an intriguing infielder just ahead of the 2025 MLB season.
In December, the Guardians left infield prospect Christian Cairo unprotected in the Rule 5 Draft, and he was selected by the Atlanta Braves. However, the Braves have now chosen to return him to Cleveland.
According to Paul Hoynes of Cleveland.com, Atlanta, who had purchased Cairo for $100,000, will “retain half the purchase price.”
While the Braves initially considered Cairo as a potential option for their opening-day roster, he struggled, posting a .179/.294/.250 line in 28 at-bats, failing to make a strong case for a roster spot.
Now, Cairo is back with the Guardians, who ironically still don’t have a solid solution at second base. While it’s unlikely Cairo will get an immediate opportunity, Cleveland may keep him in mind later this season.
The 23-year-old was originally drafted by Cleveland in the fourth round of the 2019 MLB Draft. Despite lacking power, Cairo has shown excellent plate discipline in the minors, posting a career .359 OBP with a .221 batting average.
In 2024, Cairo played 413 plate appearances across Double-A and Triple-A, finishing with a .241/.354/.326 line, including four home runs and 39 RBIs.
If Cairo can raise his batting average, his strong walk rate could make him a viable option for Cleveland at the major league level.
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