Padres slugger quietly shifted to bench role after trade deadline moves

The Padres signed Gavin Sheets to a one-year deal over the offseason after the White Sox non-tendered him in November, and the move has paid dividends for the team so far in 2025. Sheets is slashing .249/.312/.423 with a wRC+ of 108 entering the week, and has undoubtedly been a solid bat in the lineup who can also play the field.

But since the team acquired Ryan O’Hearn and Ramón Laureano at the trade deadline from the Baltimore Orioles, we’ve seen less of Gavin Sheets recently. The 29-year-old has been quietly moved to the bench as Laureano takes over in left field while O’Hearn mans the designated hitter spot — and this is exactly how it should be.

Padres' Gavin Sheets has seen lesser role since team added two Baltimore bats

While Sheets has been a solid pickup thus far and remains a fan favorite, it makes sense to move him to a bench role, as O’Hearn and Laureano contribute far more offensively. Both players have an OPS over .800, and Sheets has dipped into the .730s. On top of that, Laureano is a better defender than Sheets, which is highlighted by his strong arm, while also being able to cover more ground.

Going forward, we will likely see Sheets facing right-handed pitching in pinch-hitting situations, which will likely go down as being the right move. The platoon splits show that he is much more effective against righties, wielding a slugging percentage nearly 100 points higher than when he faces lefties. It's difficult to argue him getting more reps over O'Hearn, an All-Star, or Laureano, who is having a resurgent season.

With all signs pointing to him appearing only in late-game situations, Sheets will now be a highly coveted bat off the bench. Mike Shildt should be thrilled to have a reliable option at his disposal, all while keeping the fan favorite around.