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Jun 5, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies catcher Garrett Stubbs (21) tags out Milwaukee Brewers catcher William Contreras (24) at home in the seventh inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports

Phillies Curious 40-Man Roster Decision

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports | By Ben Rosen | Last updated Mar 29, 2026 5:37 PM ET

The Philadelphia Phillies added utility player Christian Cairo to their 40-man roster after he exercised his upward mobility clause. Cairo was then optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley. Currently the club has a full 40-man roster. With pitchers Zack Wheeler and Orion Kerkering expected to return from injuries before the end of April a spot could become available depending on what the Phillies do. The Phillies have four left-handed relief pitchers on their roster at the moment. One of those pitchers, Kyle Backhus, can be optioned to the minor leagues. Meanwhile fellow left-handed relief pitcher Tim Mayza cannot be optioned. Mayza could be designated for assignment when Wheeler or Kerkering returns from the injured list.

Garrett Stubbs was designated for assignment in the corresponding move to Cairo being added. Furthermore Stubbs cleared waivers and accepted an outright assignment to remain with the organization. This leaves the Phillies with two catchers on their 40-man roster. JT Realmuto and Rafael Marchán are those two catchers. While Cairo brings defensive versatility creating a spot for a catcher with minor league options may become necessary. In spring training Cairo had a .194/.293/.278 line with one home run and four RBI in 20 games. Cairo added a 53 wRC+ and a .300 BABIP as well. The 40-man roster spot could be used better. With that being said a catcher addition may have to come from outside the organization.

Phillies 40-Man Roster Choice

Defensive Versatility

Cairo has minor league experience at first base, second base, third base, shortstop, left field, center field and right field. While he does have outfield experience Cairo has spent the most time at the middle infield positions as well as third base. Dylan Moore who made the Phillies Opening Day roster after being a non-roster invitee brings similar versatility to Cairo. The fact that Cairo has shortstop and center field experience is useful. With Johan Rojas suspended the Phillies needed to create outfield depth in some form. Cairo is currently the sole minor league infielder on the 40-man roster. Additionally this means Cairo might be in line for a call up if an injury were to occur. For now Cairo will get regular reps as a starting position player with Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

Depth And Minor League Options

Cairo is one of three minor league position players currently on the Phillies 40-man roster. Pedro León and Gabriel Rincones Jr. are the other two players. Since this is the first time Cairo has been on a 40-man roster he has three minor league option years available. Each of the last two minor league seasons Cairo has had a 97 wRC+ or worse as well as a .700 OPS or worse. While Cairo has options and can play a lot of positions there are better uses of this 40-man roster spot. The Phillies immediately optioning Cairo is a telling sign. While they did not have much choice given the timing they seemed to add Cairo as a courtesy. The Phillies probably need to rearrange the pitching side of their 40-man roster to be fair to Cairo.

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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