Thus far this offseason, the Atlanta Braves have trimmed their payroll and done little else to prepare for the 2025 season. This isn't for lacking of trying per se as they were in play to sign Willy Adames and were among the finalists to trade for Garrett Crochet. However, that Atlanta has come up empty so far has a number of Braves fans very much in their feelings this offseason.
One area of concern that has yet to be substantively addressed is the outfield that looks very sketchy at the moment especially early in the season while Ronald Acuna Jr. rehabs from knee surgery. Yes, the Braves did sign Bryan De La Cruz to a split deal as a depth option, but no one realistically believes he is a real answer to Atlanta's roster problem. That De La Cruz has minor league options left certainly had to be part of the appeal to the Braves as exercising one of them to start the 2025 season seems wise.
Well, today is no different as Atlanta still has yet to make a real push to sign an everyday outfielder, but they did at least add to their outfield depth by signing Conner Capel to a minor league deal.
Braves Sign Conner Capel To Minor League Deal https://t.co/3vEoCcQ7OZ pic.twitter.com/KDGe3YLxHA
— MLB Trade Rumors (@mlbtraderumors) December 16, 2024
Braves News: Atlanta adds Conner Capel as outfield depth piece as outfield vacancy looms large
Braves fans are going to want to temper their expectations with Capel as he doesn't exactly scream "I am the answer" to Atlanta's need in the outfield. Since making his debut in the big leagues back in 2022, he has averaged a .758 OPS in very part-time duty and that is skewed upward by a hot stretch with Oakland during his first season. His on-base skills in the minors do look promising and he doesn't strike out a ton, but his power leaves something to be desired and he very much fits the offensive profile of a bench outfield bat instead of a guy that could seize an everyday spot in the lineup.
There is nothing wrong with making a move like this as the Braves are a good enough ball club that adding depth everywhere they can is the smart move. While Capel may not be a world-beater, he does have big league experience with a couple hot stretches to his name. There are far worse things than having a guy like that around in the event of an injury.
The fact remains that the Braves still need a real solution in the outfield and don't seem to have been able to find out this offseason. Perhaps the Braves could still make a push for Jurickson Profar or another outfielder that won't require a long-term financial commitment. The front office is fully aware of the situation and has been actively shopping around, but it is a little disheartening to see so little progress to this point.
Luckily for Braves fans, there is still a lot of offseason left to get moves done. There could be some wisdom in letting the market cool off a bit after the Winter Meetings extravaganza that drove prices through the roof. The longer Atlanta waits, the more likely that their preferred options get scooped out from under them.