The Boston Red Sox have already made one big move this offseason, but still have work to do in the minor leagues. Building depth throughout the organization should not be overlooked.
Injuries happen over the course of a season, and organizational depth is tested. The Red Sox just signed Vinny Capra to a minor league deal, according to his MLB.com transaction log. He is a versatile infielder who started last season with the Milwaukee Brewers. Capra hit an opening day home run for the Brewers, but had an otherwise forgettable tenure with the team.
The Brewers designated Capra for assignment in May. He slashed .074/.121/.130 in 24 games. He was claimed by the Chicago White Sox and played 23 games for the team. He did not have a great season, but he has four seasons of experience in the big leagues.
Capra made his debut in 2022 for the Toronto Blue Jays. In 2023, the Blue Jays traded him to the Pittsburgh Pirates for Tyler Heineman. He played nine games with the Pirates before landing with the Brewers.
After not producing much throughout his career, he made the Brewers’ opening day roster after a phenomenal spring. He slashed .292/.358/.729 in 19 games and hit six home runs. That is the version of Capra the Red Sox could use at some point next season.
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Capra can play shortstop, second base and third base. He could be a solid piece to have in the minor leagues when injuries happen. He can fill in at multiple spots, but he will need to prove he can hit at the big league level before the Red Sox can trust him.
Capra will likely start the season in Worcester, but his offensive presence will ultimately dictate if he ever gets called up. He has just a .133 batting average in the big leagues.
