The San Diego Padres have announced the hiring of Mike Shildt as their new manager, marking his return to the big leagues after his stint with the St. Louis Cardinals ended two years ago. Shildt, who led the Cardinals to three consecutive playoff appearances and earned the 2019 NL Manager of the Year Award, signed a two-year contract to replace Bob Melvin. The move comes after Melvin’s departure to the San Francisco Giants.
Expressing gratitude for a second chance, Shildt highlighted his excitement about leading the Padres and emphasized his commitment to the team. The announcement follows the recent passing of Padres owner and chairman Peter Seidler, with Shildt expressing his dedication to carrying forward Seidler’s vision for the team, aiming for a first World Series championship.
Shildt, who has been with the Padres organization for two years, brings familiarity with the team’s top prospects and experience as a senior adviser to the major league staff and player development department. He filled in as third-base coach during the 2023 season and has a history of stepping into various coaching roles when needed.
The managerial change reflects the Padres’ quest for stability, with Shildt becoming their third manager in four seasons. A.J. Preller, the Padres’ general manager, expressed confidence in Shildt’s baseball expertise, citing his strategic acumen, teaching ability, and dedication to preparation. Shildt’s collaborative and transparent style aligns with the team’s vision for success.
As Shildt takes the reins, the Padres look to leverage their star-studded roster, featuring players like Fernando Tatis Jr., Juan Soto, Manny Machado, and Xander Bogaerts. With high expectations for the upcoming season, Shildt aims to guide the team to fulfill Seidler’s dream of winning a World Series championship.