Who are the Padres non-roster infielders headed to spring training?

The San Diego Padres are into their third day of spring training, and that means we are just two days away from the rest of the team reporting to camp. Headed to Peoria, Arizona are eight non-roster infielders looking to make a positive impression on the coaching staff.

With the Padres needing to add to a roster that lost a number of players, including shortstop Ha-Seong Kim and first baseman Donovan Solano, some of this year's roster hopefuls could very well find themselves with a role on the team in 2025.

Mike Brosseau, Niko Goodrum, Gavin Sheets, Mason McCoy

All minor league additions made this offseason, with Mason McCoy returning to San Diego after appearing in 19 games for the Padres in 2024, these four have the most likely chance to make the MLB roster. McCoy had just 10 hits in 57 plate appearances for the Padres in 2024, but being able to play both second and short could make him an intriguing option for the coaching staff.

Mike Brosseau was one of the Padres first notable signings of the offseason, even if he joined on just a minor league deal. Brosseau has a career .741 OPS over five years, the highest mark by far out of the group, and has spent time at every infield position. Look for Brosseau to be the most likely candidate to make the roster as a utility/bench option.

Niko Goodrum, a seven year vet who saw his most success with the Detroit Tigers in 2018 when he put up a .747 OPS over 131 games. Goodrum, who is listed as an infielder, has played every position besides pitcher and catcher in his career, versatility the Padres are actively looking for. Another candidate with a high chance to make the roster, Goodrum is looking to bounce back from 2024 where he played just 13 games.

Recently non-tenured by the Chicago White Sox, first baseman and outfielder Gavin Sheets is looking for a career restart in San Diego. A negative WAR in each of the past three seasons is cause for concern, and a low .230 career batting average, Sheets struggles at the plate may hold him back. His ability to play first however, a position San Diego is looking for help at, could give him a chance.

Trenton Brooks, Clay Dungan

Both Trenton Brooks and Clay Dungan have a much lower chance of making the roster simply because of lacking major league experience. Dungan, who was acquired by San Diego from Kansas City before the 2024 season, is yet to make his major league debut. Playing second, short, and third, he bounced between the Double-A and Triple-A levels before playing in the Mexican Pacific Winter League.

Brooks, who was signed to a minor league deal by the Padres in November, spent eight seasons in the minors before making his debut last season. Spending the 2024 season between the Giants and Triple-A Sacramento, Brooks appeared in 12 games for San Francisco registering three hits on 25 at bats. Able to play both corner outfield positions and first base, Brooks may have a slightly higher chance to make the roster over Dungan.

Leodalis De Vries, Romeo Sanabria

Both prospects in the Padres organization, Leo De Vries has been touted as one of the most exciting prospects the Padres have. The number one overall international prospect in the 2024 class, San Diego signed him for $4.2 million and assigned him to Single-A Lake Elisinor. The 18-year-old middle infielder had an .803 OPS over 75 games with 11 homers and 38 RBI's. De Vries is not expected to make his debut until at least 2026, but will see his toughest competition yet this spring.

Romeo Sanabria, the Padres number 22 overall prospect in 2024, spent his last season between the Single-A, Single-A advanced, and Double-A levels. Primarily a first baseman, Sanabria's career .877 OPS in the minors and .301 batting average are very positive signs. Although he is a longshot to make the roster, look for Sanabria to provide adequate competition to the other first baseman on the team.