The 29-year-old Sheets put in a decent performance in his first year at the club last season. In 145 games, Sheets slashed .252/.317/.429 with a wRC+ of 111. However, Sheets’ overall production was dragged down by atrocious defensive numbers in the outfield, and it’s possible that a return to his natural position for the first time since he was a farmhand in the White Sox organization (where he was blocked by José Abreu(which prompted his ill-fated move to the outfield) could help him regain some defensive value and build on 2025’s solid offensive numbers to become a more complete contributor.
While better defense resulting from the move from the outfield to first base would be helpful, it won’t solve the significant platoon split Sheets had last season. He posted a 119 wRC+ against righties, while struggling with an 89 wRC+ against same-handed pitching. That difference was mainly visible in the energy department; Sheets hit 17 of his 19 home runs against right-handers in 2025, as well as 37 of his 48 extra-base hits overall. It would make sense to get a right-handed complement to Sheets in the door Paul Goudschmidt, Ty FranceAnd Rhys Hoskins among the right-handed first baseman still available on the market.
Such an addition could also play a role in the DH mix, which has become unsettled with Sheets’ move to the top spot. Offseason signing of Sung-Mun Song and youngster Will Wagner can both play a role in the role, although they will also have the opportunity to handle some initial basic tasks behind Sheets if necessary. Song’s versatility as an infielder capable of handling first, second or third base creates the opportunity to use the DH slot in the lineup to rest regulars at other positions. Manny Machadofor example, could get days to rest at DH while Song fills in for him in the hot corner. Xander Bogaerts could also see the time at DH, with Jake Cronenworth able to give him a breather at shortstop if necessary.
Sanders writes that using the DH to rest regulars is part of the plan for the new manager Craig StamenBut Annie Heilbrunn of the San Diego Union-Tribune also indicates that president of baseball operations AJ Preller hasn’t ruled out the possibility of a meaningful addition to the DH mix. If the Padres were to sign a platoon partner for Sheets, that player could certainly account for the DH mix against right-handed hitters, while first spelling Sheets when a lefty is on the mound, opening up DH to rest veterans like Machado and Bogaerts.
That said, it’s at least likely that the most important signing the Padres will make in the coming weeks is Preller himself. While Preller told reporters (including Heilbrunn) that he hopes to add players who will influence the squad in the coming weeks, as he has done in previous years when making additions such as Nick Pivetta And Dylan stops Late in the offseason, he also noted that his focus on the roster has left his own contract status by the wayside.
As relayed by HeilbrunnPreller told reporters that an extension ahead of his final season under contract is not yet in effect, but is partial “on him,” and that while the sides have not yet reached a “win-win agreement” he hopes to have something in place soon. That’s a different tone than was taken in reporting in November, which suggested Preller was in talks over a new contract with the club and that a deal could have happened within days. That clearly didn’t work out, and now it seems at least plausible that Preller could enter 2026 with no certainty about his future.
It’s an especially precarious position for San Diego’s front office leader to be in considering previous reports of behind-the-scenes tension between Preller and club CEO Erik Greupner. It’s worth keeping an eye on Preller’s status until an extension is revealed, as he would certainly be a coveted talent for rival franchises in the league if the Padres decide to let him go. Preller took over in San Diego in the final weeks of the 2014 season, and while the Padres have made the playoffs just four times under his leadership, the team’s body of work over the past six seasons represents the most successful stretch of baseball in franchise history.
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