The San Diego Padres’ recent victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday was overshadowed by an injury to outfielder Gavin Sheets, who left the game after colliding with the left field wall while attempting to make a play on a hit by Adam Frazier. This incident has increased concerns about the Padres’ left field depth, especially given the pressing issue of the Gavin Sheets injury impact on Padres left field.
Sheets, who is not a natural left fielder, has become an unexpected key figure for the Padres in that spot, but his injury has exacerbated an already serious shortage. In response, the Padres are reportedly considering acquiring Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran in a trade to strengthen their options in left field. Duran, valued for his power, speed, and natural fit in that position, earns $3.75 million this season.
According to Dennis Lin of The Athletic,
“As the Padres face a daunting upcoming schedule and glaring holes at the bottom of their lineup, their list of trade targets again includes Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran, league sources told The Athletic.”
Lin also noted that
“The Padres expressed interest in Duran ahead of the 2024 season, before veteran left fielder Jurickson Profar and then-rookie center fielder Jackson Merrill joined Duran as first-time All-Stars. Now, an underwhelming Red Sox team might consider Duran expendable.”
Sheets’ injury came during the Padres’ 6-4 comeback win against the Pirates. Manager Mike Shildt confirmed that Sheets was being assessed for several injuries, including a possible concussion, head contusion, sore hip, and jammed wrist and thumb. Shildt said,
“The Padres’ need for a left fielder was amplified Sunday when their primary designated hitter, Gavin Sheets, exited an eventual 6-4 win against the Pittsburgh Pirates after crashing face-first into the left-field wall.”
Lin added,
“Even if Sheets does not miss much time, Sunday’s collision heightened the urgency for the Padres to find a viable alternative in left field.”
Gavin Sheets’ Performance Progression into 2025
Gavin Sheets had a challenging 2024 season with the White Sox, posting a .233 batting average along with 10 home runs and 45 RBIs. After the White Sox non-tendered Sheets, the Padres took a chance on him, and their investment has shown positive results early in 2025.
This season, Sheets has already matched and slightly exceeded his previous home run total, recording 11 homers while maintaining a .267 batting average, an .817 OPS, and 34 RBIs. His improved offensive output has been an important factor for San Diego as they strive to contend for their first-ever World Series title.
With Sheets’ current form and the ongoing concerns over his injury status, the Padres’ pursuit of a left fielder like Jarren Duran appears increasingly urgent. Duran’s presence could provide the Padres with much-needed stability and flexibility as they navigate a challenging schedule and attempt to solidify their lineup.