After trading TJ Hopkins, Reds restore outfield depth with minor-league signing

The Cincinnati Reds made a small signing on Tuesday to help bolster the team's outfield depth.

Drew Koch

Oakland Athletics outfielder Conner Capel / G Fiume/GettyImages

The Cincinnati Reds added some more outfield depth on Tuesday afternoon after signing former Oakland Athletics' prospect Conner Capel to a minor-league deal with an invite to spring training.

Like so many moves the Reds have made recently, adding Capel bolsters the team's minor league depth. The 26-year-old has 54 major league games under his belt and brings a solid mix of on-base skills and speed to the Reds organization.

Capel will be competing for that final spot on the Cincinnati bench once spring training kicks off in Goodyear early next year. At best, Capel will occupy the 26th-spot on the Reds roster, and at worst he'll find his way to Triple-A at the outset of the 2024 season. It's a win-win signing for both Capel and the Reds.

After trading TJ Hopkins, Reds restore outfield depth with Conner Capel

Conner Capel is a former fifth-round draft choice of the Cleveland Guardians. A high school star in Texas, Capel spent two years in the Guardians' farm system before being shipped to St. Louis. After being designated for assignment by the Cardinals in 2022, the Oakland A's scooped Capel up off waivers.

Throughout his time in the minor leagues, Capel posted a slash line .251/.330/.411 with a wRC+ of 103 according to FanGraphs. His 10.5-percent walk-rate and 21.2-percent strikeout-rate suggest a rather patient approach at the plate for the versatile outfielder.

Capel has spent most of his time in the major leagues in right field. His strong arm profiles well there, and Capel lacks the top-end speed to play center field.

Conner Capel will likely battle it out with Nick Martini, Stuart Fairchild, and Bubba Thompson once spring training begins in February. Having just traded TJ Hopkins to the San Francisco Giants, Capel brings added depth to the Cincinnati Reds outfield.

Drew Koch

Drew Koch has been an MLB Staff Writer since January 2024 and part of the FanSided Network since June 2018. Drew's contributions have been published on Blog Red Machine, Friars on Base, BoSox Injection, Lombardi Avenue, Wildcat Blue Nation, Motor City Bengals, and many other sites within the FanSided Network. When he's not cheering wildly for the Cincinnati Reds or the Kentucky Wildcats, Drew enjoys fishing, golfing, playing cribbage and other card games, listening to country and classical music, and spending time with his family and friends.