Sheets powering up -- and buying in -- with Padres

PEORIA, Ariz. -- Just before Spring Training, as the Padres neared a deal with lefty slugger Gavin Sheets, manager Mike Shildt made a phone call to a mutual connection: Tony La Russa.

Sheets had played for La Russa with the White Sox during his two best seasons as a big leaguer in 2021 and ‘22. In speaking with Shildt, La Russa mentioned Chicago’s AL Central title run in ‘21 and the crucial role Sheets played.

“He said: ‘You can win with this guy,’” Shildt recalled. “That’s all I needed to know from a guy that’s won the second-most games of anyone to ever manage. That was enough to sign off on it for me.”

A month later, Sheets is mashing his way toward a spot on San Diego's Opening Day roster -- and perhaps even the starting lineup. A non-roster invitee on a Minor League deal, Sheets has posted a 1.051 OPS through 14 Cactus League games.

He entered play Wednesday with a homer in each of his last three games. Then, Sheets one-upped himself by hitting two against his former club on Tuesday -- including a majestic walk-off two-run blast, as the Padres beat the White Sox, 7-5. It’s only Spring Training, sure. But ...

“Those always feel good,” Sheets said of his walk-off home run.

This particular walk-off blast might just have sealed Sheets’ place on the Opening Day roster. There are still two weeks remaining until those decisions must be made, and the Padres have a number of players in contention for three available non-catcher position-player spots. But there’s a clear need for a hitter like Sheets -- a left-handed power threat off the bench.

Presumably, he could earn starts at DH against right-handed pitching. He’s also an experienced pinch-hitter, with solid numbers in high-leverage situations. Sheets went 4-for-12 with a homer and a double in his lone postseason appearance in 2021. His .786 OPS in high-leverage situations is higher than his career mark (.680) by more than 100 points.

Across his four seasons with the White Sox, Sheets filled a number of roles -- valuable experience, considering he knew when he signed that he probably wasn’t destined to be an everyday starter in San Diego.

“You embrace it,” Sheets said. “That’s the No. 1 thing. You have to embrace it. Whether it’s platooning against right-handed pitchers or DHing, playing first some, pinch-hitting, whatever it may be. You just embrace the role. You embrace it. You make the most of it. You be the best you can be at that spot.”

Sheets’ potential as a masher is obvious. He hasn’t tapped into it over the past couple years, however. In 2023 and ‘24, he combined to slash just .220/.289/.346 in 845 plate appearances with the White Sox.

As such, Sheets arrived in Peoria open-minded, eager to let the Padres dissect his swing and his approach -- and work to harness the offensive skill set he clearly has.

“The exciting thing about getting into a new organization is you get new thoughts,” Sheets said. “Getting to work with the guys here, they’ve been awesome. They’ve had a game plan for me, with what they’ve seen over the past, that they think can take me to the next level and be an impact player. I’m just buying in.”

As always, take Cactus League results with a grain of salt. But Sheets’ effort on Tuesday was a prime example that the buy-in has been working. He came off the bench and pounded out two homers and a line-drive single. All three left his bat at 106 mph or harder.

What, specifically, has Sheets altered this spring?

“I’m just getting into a better launch position, being more athletic with my swing and body and trying to get my body in a position to get my A-swing off on every swing,” Sheets said. “That’s obviously what I’ve been able to do the last couple games. I’m excited about the changes.”

So are the Padres. And based on the early results, they clearly should be.