Difficult decisions loom for Mike Shildt, Padres
Bench competition tightens as Spring Training comes to a close
The San Diego Padres are in the final stages of Spring Training and that means tough decisions await Manager Mike Shildt and his staff. Shildt said recently this is the most competitive camp he’s had with regard to position players.
The Padres will have to pare their Spring Training squad down to 26 players before Opening Day. Shildt said there will be 13 roster spots for position players and 13 roster spots for pitchers.
At least seven position players are secure in their place 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) all are locked in their positions. Jason Heyward appears to be the starter in left field, but that has not been confirmed by Shildt or General Manager A.J. Preller, who also has input regarding roster decisions.
The Padres recently selected the contract of Gavin Sheets and added him to the 40-man roster. The move improves the possibility that Sheets is one of the 13 position players to open 2025 with San Diego, but it’s not a sure thing. His ability to play left field and first base is only topped by the power he has displayed at the plate through Spring Training.
