There were rumors percolating this season that trouble was brewing with San Diego Padres manager Mike Shildt and the front office. And on Oct. 13, Shildt officially announced his retirement with two years left on his contract.
“Just took a lot out of me,’ Shildt told USA TODAY Sports. “Just looked in the mirror and knew I didn’t have it in my to do what it takes to lead another 90-plus win season and World Series run.
“I’m at peace and look forward to the next chapter.’
Several executives in baseball told USA TODAY Sports this summer that the relationship between Shildt and AJ Preller, president of baseball operations, and his coaching staff had become strained – but Shildt denied that was the reason for his departure.
“That wasn’t it,’ he told USA TODAY Sports.
When asked if he wanted to continue managing, he said, “Not at the moment. I need a break and take care of myself.’
Shildt, who was earning about $2 million a year, says he will immediately move from Coronado Island in San Diego back to North Carolina.
“I’m at peace,’ he said.
Shildt did not respond when asked if the two sides reached a financial settlement or whether he was walking away from his salary.
Shildt, 56, who has led his team to the postseason in each of the five full seasons he has managed in St. Louis and San Diego, informed the Padres of his decision Saturday.
“We would like to congratulate Mike on a successful career and thank him for his significant contributions to the Padres and the San Diego community over the last four years, including consecutive 90-win seasons and two postseason appearances as manager,’ Preller said in a statement.
“His dedication and passion for the game of baseball will leave an impact on our organization, and we wish him the best in his next chapter. The search for a new manager of the Padres will begin immediately with the goal of winning a World Series championship in 2026.”
Padres manager candidates
The Padres will now be looking for their fourth manager since 2019, and are one of eight teams with a managerial vacancy.
The Padres have two internal candidates who could be the heir apparent with former catcher A.J. Ellis, who’s a special assistant, and former Seattle Mariners manager Scott Servais, who’s also a special assistant in the organization.
Chicago Cubs bench coach Ryan Flaherty, who was on the Padres coaching staff and a finalist for Shildt’s job, will be a candidate. Phil Nevin, the former Angels manager who played for the Padres and also was a finalist for the Padres job, should receive strong consideration.
Yet, the most intriguing name already circulating is a future Hall of Famer manager who began his career in San Diego.
Bruce Bochy, 70, who managed 12 years for the Padres, leading them to a World Series appearance in 1998 before winning three World Series titles with the San Francisco Giants and one with the Texas Rangers, says he still has interest in managing.
Certainly, it would quite the story if he returns to try leading the Padres to the first World Series title in franchise history.
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