A 6' 5" first baseman from Maryland. 😎
PEORIA, Ariz. — Just before Spring Training, as the Padres neared a deal with lefty slugger Gavin Sheets, manager Mike Shildt made a phone call to a mutual connection: Tony La Russa.
Sheets had played for La Russa with the White Sox during his two best seasons as a big leaguer in 2021 and ‘22. In speaking with Shildt, La Russa mentioned Chicago’s AL Central title run in ‘21 and the crucial role Sheets played.
“He said: ‘You can win with this guy,’” Shildt recalled. “That’s all I needed to know from a guy that’s won the second-most games of anyone to ever manage. That was enough to sign off on it for me.”
A month later, Sheets is mashing his way toward a spot on San Diego's Opening Day roster — and perhaps even the starting lineup. A non-roster invitee on a Minor League deal, Sheets has posted a 1.051 OPS through 14 Cactus League games.
The article follows inside the link.
By AJ Cassavell, March 11, 2025
5 comments
Damn I was thinking Shildt and Preller were all in on their older vets, but that LaRussa endorsement may just help Shildt pull the trigger and give Sheets a shot. I like it because if he produces he fits this rosters needs well as a lefty power hitting DH. Needs to prove it against regular season big league pitching still ofc but its worth a shot.
Gotta trust LaRussa, he’s a hall of famer baseball person.
He’ll tell you himself.
Power plays. Especially if you can harness it. Those guys always get chances. The only reason Tirso has been hanging around for like 8 years.
Can we get lucky enough to have both these dudes suddenly put it together. Just 1 would be a huge win since both have multiple years of control.
I have always liked sheets. Raw power! I think he can be a great addition if he can cut down on his swing. He can hit 40 homers in the first deck instead of 25 homers in the upper deck. Either way I like the addition and upside of the pickup of sheets. I’m anxious to see how many homers he gets this season
https://i.redd.it/ezjzcyosbioe1.gif