The San Diego Padres are nearing the end of Spring Training, which means big decisions for Manager Mike Shildt and his staff. Shildt recently stated that this is the most competitive camp he has had with position players.
The Padres will have to reduce their Spring Training roster to 26 players before Opening Day. Shildt stated that there will be 13 roster spaces for position players and 13 roster spots for pitchers.
At least seven position players have secured their spots on the San Diego roster. Manny Machado (3B), Xander Bogaerts (SS), Jake Cronenworth (2B), Luis Arraez (1B), Elias Diaz (C), Jackson Merrill (CF), and Fernando Tatis Jr. (RF) are all locked into their spots.
Jason Heyward appears to be the starter in left field, although this has not been verified by Shildt or General Manager A.J. Preller, who also has a say in roster decisions.
The Padres have chose Gavin Sheets’ contract and added him to the 40-man roster. The change increases the likelihood that Sheets will be one of the 13 position players to start 2025 with San Diego, but it is not a guarantee. His ability to play left field and first base is only surpassed by the power he has shown at the plate during spring training.
Heyward and Sheets join the group of every-day starters, bringing the roster to nine. Additionally, one of Martin Maldonado or Luis Campusano must be added as Diaz’s backup catcher, increasing the Opening Day roster to ten. This leaves three position player vacancies to fill.
Tirso Ornelas, a top contender for a roster spot to begin the spring, was sent to Triple-A, and Brett Sullivan was designated for assignment on Saturday. Tyler Wade, Brandon Lockridge, Yuli Gurriel, Oscar Gonzalez, Eguy Rosario, Jose Iglesias, and Connor Joe are among the remaining candidates for the final three berths.
Wade can play both infield and outfield and has had a sluggish start to spring. He’s come on strong in recent games, including a home run against the Chicago Cubs. Wade is a leader in the locker room, admired by his teammates, and complimented by Shildt.
Lockridge was on the postseason roster in 2024 and has had a strong spring. He is an outfielder with the speed to make a difference on the bases. He’s young and hungry, and a chance to play in the major leagues could help him realize his full potential.
Gurriel is a veteran with a track record of postseason success. He is limited to first base and designated hitter.
While he has achieved success in his career, at 40 years old, his greatest seasons are probably behind him. Sheets or another young player’s opportunities should not be sacrificed in exchange for Gurriel’s at-bats.
Gonzalez has been one of the finest performers this spring. He made it to the major leagues with the Cleveland Guardians and enjoyed early success before being released due to problems. He is an outfielder and designated hitter who has greater potential than other roster choices such as the aforementioned Gurriel.
Rosario is the Padres’ longest-tenured player and is out of options. San Diego must put him on the roster or risk losing him. Rosario can play numerous infield positions, has experience in the outfield, and can serve as designated hitter. He has had success at the plate against left-handed pitchers, but not so much against right-handers.
Iglesias had a terrific season with the New York Mets last year, but he was unable to secure a free agent contract. He eventually took a minor league contract from the Padres and informed the reporters upon his arrival in Peoria that he is not a small league player at this point in his career.
Iglesias is acclaimed for his defensive abilities and could be the reason Wade’s roster position is in jeopardy.
Joe was one of only a few major league contracts issued by San Diego over the offseason. He may play outfield, first base, or act as a designated hitter. Joe can reach base on walks and has the potential to succeed as a line drive, gap hitter in Petco Park’s spacious outfield.
Regardless of who makes the roster, Shildt, his staff, and Preller’s picks will undoubtedly spark conversations and controversy among the Friar Faithful.
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