Career Timeline of Miguel Cairo: Major Achievements and Milestones

Discover the career path of Miguel Cairo, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Miguel Cairo is a Venezuelan former professional baseball infielder and the current interim manager for the Washington Nationals. Over a 17-year MLB career (1996-2012), he played for nine different teams, demonstrating versatility by playing all infield positions and corner outfield. While primarily a second baseman, he was also used for pinch-hitting later in his career. Cairo served as the interim manager for the White Sox in 2022 when Tony La Russa stepped down due to health issues.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

September 20, 1990: Signed by the Los Angeles Dodgers

On September 20, 1990, Miguel Cairo was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Los Angeles Dodgers.

1992: Played with Gulf Coast Dodgers and Vero Beach Dodgers

In 1992, Miguel Cairo played with the rookie class Gulf Coast Dodgers and Class-A Vero Beach Dodgers.

1993: Played Winter Ball

During the 1993-2003 seasons, Miguel Cairo played winter ball with the Leones del Caracas and Cardenales de Lara clubs of the Venezuelan League.

1993: Played with Vero Beach Dodgers

In 1993, Miguel Cairo played with the Class-A Vero Beach Dodgers.

1994: Played with Bakersfield Dodgers

In 1994, Miguel Cairo played with the Advanced Class-A Bakersfield Dodgers.

November 29, 1995: Traded to the Seattle Mariners

On November 29, 1995, Miguel Cairo was traded by the Dodgers with Willis Otañez to the Seattle Mariners for Mike Blowers.

December 18, 1995: Traded to the Toronto Blue Jays

On December 18, 1995, Miguel Cairo was traded, along with Bill Risley, from the Seattle Mariners to the Toronto Blue Jays for Edwin Hurtado and Paul Menhart.

April 17, 1996: MLB Debut with Toronto Blue Jays

On April 17, 1996, Miguel Cairo made his major league debut with the Toronto Blue Jays as the starting 2nd baseman, hitting a double off Chuck Finley in his first MLB at-bat.

November 20, 1996: Traded to the Chicago Cubs

On November 20, 1996, Miguel Cairo was traded to the Chicago Cubs in exchange for minor leaguer Jason Stevenson.

1996: Started MLB career

In 1996, Miguel Cairo began his 17-year Major League Baseball career, playing for nine different teams.

1997: Played with Iowa Cubs

In 1997, Miguel Cairo spent most of the season with the AAA Iowa Cubs, hitting .279 in 135 games and being selected to the American Association All-Star team. He also appeared in 16 games for the Cubs.

1997: Selected by Tampa Bay Devil Rays in Expansion Draft

In 1997, Miguel Cairo was selected by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays with the eighth pick in the MLB expansion draft.

April 28, 1998: First Home Run

On April 28, 1998, Miguel Cairo hit his first home run off of Mike Oquist while playing for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays against the Oakland Athletics.

2000: Signed with the Oakland Athletics

During the 2000-2001 offseason, Miguel Cairo signed with the Oakland Athletics.

2000: Played for Cardenales

During the 2000-2001 season, Miguel Cairo played for the Cardenales champion team.

March 2001: Traded back to the Cubs

In March 2001, Miguel Cairo was traded back to the Cubs for Eric Hinske.

August 2001: Claimed by the St. Louis Cardinals

In August 2001, Miguel Cairo was claimed on waivers by the St. Louis Cardinals from the Chicago Cubs.

2001: Played in Caribbean Series

In 2001, Miguel Cairo played in the Caribbean Series, batting .360 and slugging .680 with six RBI.

2002: Played in National League Championship Series

In 2002, Miguel Cairo had five hits, including a home run, in 13 at-bats in the National League Championship Series against the San Francisco Giants.

2003: Played Winter Ball

During the 1993-2003 seasons, Miguel Cairo played winter ball with the Leones del Caracas and Cardenales de Lara clubs of the Venezuelan League.

2003: Signed with the New York Yankees

During the 2003-04 offseason, Miguel Cairo signed with the New York Yankees.

2003: Final Season with Cardinals

Miguel Cairo remained with the St. Louis Cardinals through the 2003 season.

2004: Won second base job with Yankees

In 2004, Miguel Cairo won the second base job with the New York Yankees and led the league in percentage of productive outs. He also had the highest winning percentage of team wins when he played in a game.

2005: Signed with the New York Mets

Before the 2005 season, Miguel Cairo signed with the New York Mets as a free agent and hit .251 in 100 games.

2005: Yankees declined to offer a contract

In 2005, the Yankees declined to offer Miguel Cairo a contract, and signed Tony Womack as their new second baseman.

2006: Returned to the Yankees

In 2006, Miguel Cairo returned to the New York Yankees and hit .239 in 81 games.

August 7, 2007: Designated for Assignment by Yankees

On August 7, 2007, the Yankees designated Miguel Cairo for assignment to make room for Jason Giambi on the 40-man roster. He was released on August 15.

August 19, 2007: Signed Minor League Contract with Cardinals

On August 19, 2007, Miguel Cairo signed a minor league contract with the St. Louis Cardinals and reported to AAA Memphis on August 22.

September 1, 2007: Activated by Cardinals

On September 1, 2007, the St. Louis Cardinals activated Miguel Cairo and brought him up to start at second base in a game against the Cincinnati Reds.

January 8, 2008: Signed with the Seattle Mariners

On January 8, 2008, Miguel Cairo signed a one-year contract with the Seattle Mariners.

February 15, 2009: Signed Minor League Contract with Phillies

On February 15, 2009, Miguel Cairo signed a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training with the Philadelphia Phillies.

May 19, 2009: Outrighted to Lehigh Valley IronPigs

On May 19, 2009, Miguel Cairo was outrighted to the AAA Lehigh Valley IronPigs by the Philadelphia Phillies.

January 27, 2010: Signed Minor League Contract with Cincinnati Reds

On January 27, 2010, Miguel Cairo signed a minor league contract with the Cincinnati Reds.

2012: End of MLB career

In 2012, Miguel Cairo concluded his 17-year Major League Baseball playing career.

February 14, 2013: Special Assistant to General Manager

On February 14, 2013, the Reds announced that Miguel Cairo would operate as a special assistant to general manager Walt Jocketty, effectively ending his playing career.

November 18, 2020: Joined White Sox Coaching Staff

On November 18, 2020, the Chicago White Sox announced that Miguel Cairo would join their coaching staff as bench coach under manager Tony La Russa.

August 12, 2021: Managed White Sox in Field of Dreams Game

On August 12, 2021, Miguel Cairo managed the White Sox to victory over the Yankees in the first Field of Dreams game, as Tony La Russa was unavailable.