The San Diego Padres are entering spring training with uncertainty surrounding their left field position, much like last year. The team is looking to replace their All-Star left fielder, who departed in free agency, with a combination of players, and the situation remains fluid.
Last season, Jurickson Profar unexpectedly had a career year, though expectations were low heading into the season. This year, multiple players are in contention for the role, and the team remains open-minded about who will emerge as the primary option.
Among those competing for playing time is Eguy Rosario, a versatile player who has been in the Padres’ organization since signing in August 2015. Although primarily an infielder, he has been taking reps in left field and could see significant playing time there. He also plays second and third base, but those positions are occupied by established All-Stars who are expected to start the majority of games.
Rosario has spent brief periods with the Padres in each of the past three seasons. He has demonstrated an ability to hit left-handed pitching effectively, recording a .302 batting average and a 1.028 OPS against lefties in 2024. Of his 23 career MLB hits, 13 have gone for extra bases, all against left-handed pitchers. Despite limited experience in the outfield—having played nine games in right field at Triple-A last season—he is ready to contribute wherever needed.
Manager Mike Shildt praised Rosario’s versatility, stating that he will have many opportunities to prove himself during spring training. Rosario, for his part, expressed a willingness to play any position as long as he gets playing time.
Another option in left field is veteran Jason Heyward, who arrived at camp a day after Connor Joe. Heyward, a left-handed hitter, is the front-runner to start against right-handed pitchers and could earn additional playing time beyond a platoon role. A five-time Gold Glove winner in right field, Heyward has primarily played right and center field throughout his 15-year career. However, his experience in left field is limited to eight regular-season games and seven innings in the postseason with the Astros last year.
Heyward struggled offensively in 2024, hitting .211 with 10 home runs across 258 plate appearances for the Dodgers and Astros. He posted a .214 batting average and a .720 OPS against right-handed pitchers. The Padres hope he can replicate his 2023 performance with the Dodgers, when he hit .269 with 15 home runs and a .340 on-base percentage.
Shildt emphasized Heyward’s winning pedigree, noting that he has been a part of 10 postseason teams and won a World Series with the Cubs. The team expects him to take advantage of the opportunity to play in left field.
Connor Joe, a right-handed hitter, is also in the mix for playing time in left field. He signed with the Padres recently and will see action in the outfield during spring training. However, the team envisions a broader role for him, potentially involving first base and designated hitter duties.
Joe, 32, played for the Pirates last season, batting .228 with a .320 on-base percentage while playing first base and both corner outfield positions, primarily right field. With the Padres currently lacking a designated hitter, Joe and left-handed-hitting Gavin Sheets could share those duties unless the team makes another acquisition.
Shildt described Joe as a versatile player who can contribute in multiple ways. While he will be involved in the left-field competition, he may also see time at first base and DH, depending on how the roster takes shape.
The Padres’ approach to left field in 2025 will likely involve a combination of players, with Heyward expected to see the most action against right-handed pitchers, while Rosario and Joe could factor into a platoon or rotational role.