Braves Sign Conner Capel to Minor League Deal

The Atlanta Braves have signed versatile outfielder Conner Capel to a minor league deal. This agreement likely includes an invitation to the Braves' Major League Spring Training in 2025, giving Capel a chance to compete for a spot on the big league roster.

Capel, who will turn 30 next month, was originally drafted by the Cleveland Guardians in the fifth round of the 2016 draft. His journey through professional baseball has seen him traded multiple times and has taken him across several organizations. In 2018, Capel was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals as part of the deal that sent Oscar Mercado to Cleveland. Capel spent several years climbing the minor league ranks before making his Major League debut with the Cardinals in 2022 during his age-25 season.

Capel's initial stint in the majors was brief and challenging, as he appeared in just nine games for the Cardinals and struggled with a .176/.211/.353 batting line. However, a change of scenery brought new opportunities. The Oakland Athletics claimed Capel off waivers in September 2022, where he found his stride, hitting .371/.425/.600 in his final 40 plate appearances of the season.

Impressed by his late-season performance, the Athletics included Capel on their Opening Day roster in 2023. While he became a regular presence in the outfield, his performance was more tempered, slashing .260/.372/.329. Despite maintaining an above-average on-base percentage, his power numbers were lacking, leading the A's to option him to Triple-A. There, Capel struggled in the Pacific Coast League, managing a .252/.346/.402 line, which led Oakland to outright him off the 40-man roster. Capel elected free agency after the 2023 season.

Now, Capel joins the Braves organization, bringing his experience and potential to Atlanta. The Braves will be eager to see if Capel can recapture the form he showed in his brief yet impressive stint with Oakland in 2022. His ability to play multiple outfield positions and his proven on-base skills make him a valuable addition to the Braves' minor league system. The upcoming Spring Training will be crucial for Capel as he aims to secure a spot on the Braves' roster and make a significant impact in the 2025 season.