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2025 Spring Moves: Gavin Sheets Selected, Kyle Gibson Back to Baltimore

Originally posted on New Baseball Media
By Chris Studley | Last updated Mar 22, 2025 1:30 AM ET

With major roster decisions looming over the coming days, MLB teams have begun to finalize their roster plans. The Padres confirmed that Gavin Sheets made the team’s Opening Day roster, while the O’s are re-uniting with a familiar arm. Here’s some notable news from March 21.

Gibson back with the O’s

The Orioles announced that Kyle Gibson signed with the team, bringing back the hurler. Gibson spent 2023 with the O’s. Per the New York Post, the Orioles will pay Gibson $5.25MM for 2025, plus $1.525MM in performance bonuses.

Gibson is an unspectacular, yet efficient arm who’s logged at least 140 innings in every single full season since 2014. Last year, Gibson posted his lowest Zone% (44.1%) rate in three years, an explanation for why his walk rate spiked almost three percentage points to 9.4%.

On the other hand, Gibson’s been able to stick around thanks to an increased reliance on a sweeping slider. Opposing batters whiffed on it over 40% of the time over the last two seasons on the pitch, which had roughly 2.0” above-average vertical depth compared to the league-average.

Canha joins the Royals

The Royals acquired Mark Canha, on a Minor League deal with the Brewers, in a trade on March 21. Kansas City will reportedly give up either cash or a player to be named later.

Canha wasn’t hitting too well in Cactus League, as he went 2-23 with the Brewers. However, the veteran outfielder has pop and get on base, assets that could make him a nice fit as a corner infield option.

The ex-Brewer would have become a free agent on March 22 since Canha was an Article XX(B) free agent.

Sheets selected by the Padres

Former White Sox first baseman Gavin Sheets made the San Diego Opening Day roster, as the Padres selected his contract. Sheets was tied with Matt Wallner, Trayce Thompson, and Rhys Hoskins for most home runs (6) in the spring.

Sheets has always been an interesting power hitter. He hit 11 home runs and slugged .506 in just 54 games in 2021. However, Sheets struggled to click in Chicago from that point onward, which eventually got him non-tendered in November.

The 28-year-old is a primary first baseman who could see time both at that position and DH. Luis Arraez spent a healthy chunk of time at first last season, playing 61 games there last season with the Padres.

In other contract selection-related news, the Braves confirmed Drake Baldwin will make the Atlanta Opening Day roster.

This article first appeared on New Baseball Media and was syndicated with permission.

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