It looks like the Atlanta Braves are making sure they’ve got some extra insurance for their outfield in 2025, signing Conner Capel to a minor league deal.
This move may not be grabbing headlines just yet, but let’s break it down because sometimes these under-the-radar signings can make a splash when you least expect it.
From Cleveland to St. Louis to Oakland
So, who exactly is Conner Capel? Let’s rewind a bit. This guy’s got a pretty interesting road behind him. Drafted by Cleveland in the fifth round back in 2016, Capel’s journey has been anything but straightforward.
He found himself traded to the St. Louis Cardinals in 2018 as part of the Oscar Mercado deal. Fast forward to 2022 — he finally cracked the big leagues with the Cards at 25. But, as baseball stories often go, his initial stint was rough. He was designated for assignment after nine games and a .176 batting average.
A Spark in Oakland: Capel’s September Surge
The Oakland A’s saw something they liked and swooped him up off waivers. And just like that, Capel’s bat caught fire. He hit a sizzling .371/.425/.600 in his final 40 plate appearances that year. Talk about a September to remember.
That performance earned him a spot on the A’s 2023 Opening Day roster. The man was a regular in the outfield mix, and while he didn’t light up the power columns, his .260/.372/.329 slash line showed he could get on base.
Yet, baseball’s a game of adjustments, and unfortunately for Capel, things started to slide. He was sent back down to Triple-A Las Vegas, and in that hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League, his numbers dipped to .252/.346/.402. The A’s eventually cut ties, and Capel hit free agency.
Cue the Cincinnati Reds stepping into the picture with a minor league deal. But, let’s be honest, the Reds’ outfield situation looked pretty packed.
Then came the curveballs: injuries to key guys like TJ Friedl and Christian Encarnacion-Strand, and suddenly, Capel got his shot with the big league squad in May. It wasn’t a long stay — just five games, going two-for-eight with a stolen base — but sometimes it’s all about the timing and opportunities.
A New Chapter With The Atlanta Braves
Now, he’s got a new chapter brewing with the Braves. And this isn’t just a shot in the dark for Atlanta. With Ronald Acuña Jr. still recovering from that brutal ACL tear, there are some real question marks in the outfield.
Sure, Michael Harris II is solid in center, and Jarred Kelenic is a hopeful piece in the corners, but depth is key in this game. Enter Capel — a lefty bat who could surprise people if he taps into that spark we saw in Oakland.
Capel’s not alone in this role, either. Bryan De La Cruz, another depth signing, will be in the mix from the right side. The Braves are probably not done shopping for outfield certainty, but Capel’s got a shot to make some noise in Spring Training.
And who knows? Sometimes, the underdog stories in baseball end up being the ones we talk about all season long. So, keep an eye on Conner Capel — because if there’s one thing we know about baseball, it’s that the game loves a comeback.
