Padres Updates: Sheets Trades, DH Strategy, Preller’s Insights

With the departure of Luis Arraez to San Francisco, the San Diego Padres are set to welcome a new face at first base. Gavin Sheets, eager to make his mark, will likely take the lead in this pivotal position.

Gavin Sheets: A Potential Star at First Base

Gavin Sheets, 29, is coming off his first season with the Padres, where he played 145 games. In 2025, he recorded a batting line of .252/.317/.429, showcasing a wRC+ of 111. While his offensive contributions were respectable, his defensive struggles in the outfield hindered his overall value. Transitioning back to first base could help Sheets regain some defensive prowess, as it’s a position he hasn’t manned since his days in the White Sox minor league system.

Despite his solid offensive showing, Sheets faced notable challenges against left-handed pitchers. He achieved a wRC+ of 119 against right-handed pitching but dropped to 89 against lefties. This discrepancy is highlighted by his power statistics, with 17 of his 19 home runs coming off right-handers.

Building a Competitive Lineup

To enhance the lineup, acquiring a right-handed first baseman to complement Sheets could be beneficial. Names like Paul Goldschmidt, Ty France, and Rhys Hoskins remain available for the Padres as potential additions. This move would not only strengthen first base but could also impact the designated hitter (DH) strategy.

Offseason acquisition Sung-Mun Song and emerging talent Will Wagner may also share responsibilities at first base, creating flexibility in the lineup. Song’s ability to play multiple positions could allow regular players like Manny Machado and Xander Bogaerts to take days off at DH, easing their workload.

• Gavin Sheets potential first baseman.
• Right-handed hitting complement needed.
• Sung-Mun Song and Will Wagner could assist at first base.

The Future of the DH Position

The designated hitter role remains a topic of discussion under new manager Craig Stammen. Utilizing the DH position effectively will enable the Padres to manage player fatigue while maintaining a competitive edge. With the possibility of adding a platoon partner for Sheets, the organization is looking to optimize their roster.

A.J. Preller: Intentions and Contract Status

President of baseball operations A.J. Preller shared his intent to enhance the roster in the coming weeks. His focus on securing impactful players is crucial, as his own contract situation remains unresolved. Preller expressed his desire to finalize an extension soon, emphasizing the need for a “win-win deal.” As he enters his final contracted season, uncertainty looms regarding his future in San Diego.

Preller has been pivotal in the Padres’ growth, leading the team through successful phases since taking charge in 2014. Despite only four playoff appearances, these years represent a significant era for the franchise. The upcoming weeks will be critical in determining both roster additions and Preller’s contract stability.