Can Gavin Sheets unlock his potential with the Padres?
Credit: USA Today Sports
Gavin Sheets has legitimate power, but can the left-handed hitter become a polished hitter in San Diego?
The winter has been eerily quiet for the San Diego Padres.
Losing out on Roki Sasaki hurt badly, but the ownership drama takes the pain in San Diego to a whole new level.
This week, San Diego added several veterans to the roster. Connor Joe was added on a major league deal and the team added Jason Heyward as well. Both veterans should earn ample at-bats in 2025, as the Padres simply did not have many options before each player was signed.
On Sunday, the Padres added Gavin Sheets to the roster.
The power-hitting, left-handed batter comes from the White Sox on a minor-league deal, but he may have the most upside of this trio of veteran players.
Sheets spent four years with the Sox at the major league level, producing a .680 OPS in 1,299 at-bats. The lefty slugged 46 homers in that time. Last season, Sheets earned a career-high 451 at-bats with the White Sox. During that span, he recorded 10 homers and drove in 45 runs. His .660 OPS and 90 OPS+ was not what Chicago envisioned, so they released him in November.
His power grade is in the 60-70 mark, but he has yet to really showcase it at the major league level. If the 6-foot-5, left-handed power threat boosted his home run numbers, his overall potential may reach its pinnacle. Can the Padres unlock that power to go with an improved approach at the plate? Only time will tell.
Here is an example of that power.
Prime Gavin Sheets was so special.pic.twitter.com/C3PgP7yxzU
— Mike (@ChiSoxFanMike) February 11, 2025
His left-handed swing is impressive in terms of driving the ball. But can Victor Rodriguez get Sheets to be more selective? The 28-year-old is motivated after being released from a major league contract. The devoted Christian is all about faith. Inking an agreement with the Padres may be a sign for Sheets. His time in San Diego could be fruitful.
Can the Padres really get more from this young first baseman in terms of production?
The former second-round pick in 2017 out of Wake Forrest has had a terrible time with lefties throughout his career (.458 OPS in 161 at-bats), and that will likely never be palatable by the Padres. San Diego will require a right-handed option off the bench late in games. Connor Joe is an option, but he may already be playing left field for the Padres. Another right-handed option may be required.
It is important to note that Sheets can play a corner outfield position despite his size. He’s started 223 games in the outfield throughout his major league career and has more experience there than at first base. That kind of flexibility bodes well for his future with the team. But it will all come down to the bat.
Sheets is categorized as a fastball hitter. His numbers indicate that. He owns a career .292 average against the heater, including a .302 average against a sinker. His batting average against breaking pitches dips all the way to .190 for his major league career, where he has a .159 average against the slider. For Sheets to get better, it will be all about pitch recognition. Pitchers will need to throw him the fastball eventually. It will be just a matter of whether he can lay off the breaking pitches that are out of the zone.
Hunting the fastball will be key for Gavin Sheets in 2025. If the Padres can get him to see the ball better, a 25-home run season is possible. He walked 43 times last year in 451 at-bats, so there is some potential for him to become selective while in the box.
At this point, the Padres are taking a chance on several veteran players. With that, there are bound to be some players who emerge. Gavin Sheets is a great candidate to eclipse his career high in homers (15) at Petco Park in 2025. A.J. Preller and the Padres need role players to emerge like Sheets to reach the promised land. It is certainly not out of the question for the big lefty to reach his ultimate potential.
James was born and raised in America’s Finest City. He is a passionate baseball fan with even more passion towards his hometown Padres. James has written about the Padres and their prospects for over a decade. He also writes about San Diego State as well as other local sports. James is the Editor-In-Chief of EastVillageTimes.com. Always striving to bring you the highest quality in San Diego Sports News. Original content, with original ideas, that’s our motto. Enjoy.