Gavin Sheets proving his worth this spring to Padres
Credit: MLB
Gavin Sheets is on fire this spring as the first baseman has homered in four straight games, including two home runs on Tuesday in Peoria.
The San Diego Padres will need players to emerge in the coming season.
The stars on the roster will produce, but it will take several role players contributing for the Padres to reach the promised land.
That’s just the way it goes. It takes a whole 26-man roster to produce a world title.
Gavin Sheets was signed by the team this winter to a minor league contract. The thought was that the veteran infielder/outfielder would compete for a roster spot or possibly provide minor-league depth for the Padres.
On Tuesday, the left-handed hitter slugged a walk-off homer against his old team, the Chicago White Sox. The second homer of the day for Sheets was a moonshot over the right-field fence. Of the two long balls, one was off a left-handed pitcher, which has been a real issue for Sheets throughout his career. This is a positive sign for his development.
There is potential for Sheets to be a weapon for the Padres in 2025. His power is undeniable.
So far this spring, Gavin Sheets is opening eyes on the coaching staff. He owns a 1.051 OPS with five homers and 10 RBIs in 34 at-bats,
Sheets possesses light tower power potential but has really never shown it consistently at the major league level. After a few minor swing adjustments, he may reach his ability in the batter’s box. “I’m just getting into a better launch position, being more athletic with my swing and body and trying to get my body in a position to get my A-swing off on every swing,” Sheets told the media. “That’s obviously what I’ve been able to do the last couple games. I’m excited about the changes.”
Victor Rodriguez may be responsible for getting Sheets into his legs and creating more backspin on the baseball. Sheets could easily eclipse his career-high (for a season) in homers this year with the Padres. He slugged 15 homers in 2022 in 124 games with the Chicago White Sox.
There are no-doubters and then there’s Gavin Sheets ? pic.twitter.com/LW6kneR4aD
— San Diego Padres (@Padres) March 11, 2025
The Padres do not have room for the lefty slugger on the 40-man roster, but with two weeks left until the season begins, Sheets seems a lock to make the team. They will need to make an adjustment with the roster. Gavin Sheets would be an excellent weapon off the bench for the Padres if he is not starting. The Padres could also employ him in three different spots in the lineup (DH, first base, and left field) against a tough right-handed pitcher.
It is early to proclaim Sheets a steal. But the early returns are certainly positive.
Sometimes, a new franchise is all that is needed for a player to reach their potential. “The exciting thing about getting into a new organization is you get new thoughts,” Sheets said. “Getting to work with the guys here, they’ve been awesome. They’ve had a game plan for me, with what they’ve seen over the past, that they think can take me to the next level and be an impact player. I’m just buying in.” Sheets told A.J. Cassavell of MLB.com.
Gavin Sheets is excited about a new beginning with the Padres. San Diego will certainly find use for the left-handed hitter if he can continue to swing the bat like he is this spring in Peoria.
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.