In a surprising development for Major League Baseball fans, Mike Shildt has officially resigned as the manager of the San Diego Padres. This news was confirmed by Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune, stating that the decision was made by Shildt himself.
Shildt, who is 57 years old, managed the Padres for two years and had two more years remaining on his contract. In a heartfelt letter to the media, Shildt expressed that the grind of the baseball season had taken a considerable toll on him. He emphasized the need to prioritize his own well-being and exit on his terms.
Shildt’s Tenure with the Padres
During his time with San Diego, Shildt compiled a record of 183 wins and 141 losses (.565) since the start of the 2024 season. Under his leadership, the Padres reached the postseason in both years, progressing to the National League Division Series in 2024 and competing in the Wild Card Series this year.
- Record: 183-141 (.565)
- Postseason Appearances: 2024 NL Division Series, 2025 Wild Card Series
Shildt also witnessed standout performances from players like Fernando Tatis Jr., Manny Machado, and Jake Cronenworth. Additionally, rookie star Jackson Merrill emerged during his management. Offensively, the Padres ranked tied for the seventh-best in the league with a 107 wRC+. Pitching-wise, the team boasted a 3.75 ERA, placing them fifth in the majors.
Acknowledgments and Future Prospects
In a statement, A.J. Preller, the president of baseball operations, praised Shildt’s dedication and influence on the organization. He acknowledged Shildt’s significant contributions to both the team and the San Diego community over the past four years.
Before joining the Padres, Shildt managed the St. Louis Cardinals, where he held various roles including quality control coach, bench coach, and later, the permanent manager starting in August 2018. He was recognized as the NL Manager of the Year in 2019.
Following this resignation, the Padres now seek a new skipper, a search initiated immediately by the franchise. Shildt may not be retiring from baseball altogether, as he has indicated the possibility of taking a break rather than stepping away from the sport permanently.
With Shildt’s exit, the Major League Baseball landscape is shifting, with ten out of thirty teams set to start the 2026 season with different managers than those who opened 2025.
