About this time last year, a non-roster invitee by the name of Gavin Sheets impressed the San Diego Padres with his feats of power. In a four-game stretch during Spring Training 2025, Sheets hit five home runs. That power eventually earned him a spot on the major league roster.
Once there, Sheets was a fantastic power-hitting DH option for San Diego throughout the season. He intermittently played first base and left field for the club but stuck mostly to DH.
It was reported earlier this year at Padres FanFest by manager Craig Stammen that Sheets had an inside track on the starting first base role for the Friars. That being said, others have certainly impressed in the spot during Cactus League play.
The Race Heats up for First Base
San Diego has put multiple people in the first base slot this spring. So far, Sheets has led the pack alongside Jose Miranda and Ty France. Miranda has managed to put up a ridiculous .370/.452/.630 slash line with seven RBIs. Though he factors as more of a corner infielder depth piece.
France has kept pace with Miranda, hitting .375/.444/.500 with 12 total bases. Though France’s defensive track record is far better, with him winning the Gold Glove for first base in 2025.
Miguel Andujar and Nick Castellanos are certain to get reps at the position in the regular season, but are unlikely to be the starter. They will likely form a three-pronged platoon at first base and DH, along with Sheets.
It seems that Castellanos will start against lefties and Sheets versus righties to maximize their splits. That has seemed to be the strategy, with Castellanos continuing to get play at first during the spring.
The Starting Role Is Sheets To Lose
Even though Sheets has put up markedly worse numbers than the other two this spring (.222/.440/.389), it seems he still retains the lead for the position. That’s likely due to the power he displayed last season.
In his breakout year with San Diego, Sheets slugged a career-high 19 home runs. The slugger was a major part of the success of the Padres’ 2025 season, and he figures to be even more so in ‘26.
Sheets slugged his first homer of the year this Sunday with a three-run bomb to open the scoring of San Diego’s 14-3 win over the Cincinnati Reds. But his work in Cactus League play has been about more than just power.
Changes This Spring Have Been Monumental
He’s been focused on getting his strikeouts down and his walks up. That has resulted in Sheets leading the team with eight walks. Last season, he had a 19.7% strikeout rate and walked at an 8.1% clip. Both are solid marks for the hitter, but Sheets knows he can do better.
This spring, he’s managed to strike out at a 14.3% clip and walk a ludicrous 28.6% of the time. Likely, those numbers aren’t manageable across a full season, but it marks an impressive step forward.
In spite of that, Sheets will likely not start on Opening Day. Given that the Padres will be facing the formidable lefty Tarik Skubal, Castellanos figures to start at first with Sheets coming off the bench. But expect him to start most days, and especially against righties.
Main Photo Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images