The Padres and have come to terms on a minor league contract, reports . The deal includes Jonathan Ericsson Jersey an invitation to big league spring training. Sheets was non-tendered by the White Sox earlier this offseason. A second-round pick in the 2017 draft, Sheets slugged his way to the majors in 2021. His bat stayed hot throughout the year, and he finished his debut season with 11 home runs, an .830 OPS, and a 123 wRC+ in 54 games. Unfortunately, the big lefty batter has struggled to make an impact at the plate ever since. Over 381 games from 2022-24, Sheets produced a .659 OPS and an 84 wRC+ with just 35 home runs in more than 1,200 trips to the plate. His walk and strikeout rates hovered relatively close to league average, but he just wasnt impacting the ball the way he needed to and the way he once seemed like he could, as a promising, power-hitting prospect. On the contrary, his hard-hit rate ranked in the bottom third of the league each year from 2022-24. As a corner outfielder/first baseman who doesnt contribute with his legs or his glove, Sheets needs to hit to offer value to his club. Thus, it wasnt exactly surprising when the White Sox non-tendered him rather than pay his $2.6MM salary in his first year of arbitration eligibility. Even for a pitiful White Sox club, Sheets has been a disappointment. His -2.2 FanGraphs WAR over the last three seasons ranks last on the team in that time. Meanwhile, none of the well-known projection systems see him bouncing back. , , and all agree that Sheets is more likely than not to be a below-average hitter once again in 2025. All of that explains why Sheets was unable to land a guaranteed contract entering his age-29 season. Instead, he will head to spring training and look to make a good impre sion. While the Padres recently addre sed a weakne s in the corner outfield by adding and to form , their designated hitter spot remains wide open. If Sheets earns a job on the Opening Day roster, he and could share duties at first base and DH. Given the way Sheets has played lately, thats a huge if. Then again, its not as if San Diego currently has a glut of better options. The Padres are desperately seeking upside as they try to replace hitters like and on a shoestring budget. Barring further additions, they have no reason not to give Sheets every opportunity to prove himself in camp. Tyler Motte Jersey