Mike Shildt retires as Padres manager

Published: Monday, October 13, 2025 at 3:59 pm

Mike Shildt Retires as Padres Manager After Two Seasons

San Diego Padres manager Mike Shildt has announced his retirement, stepping down after just two seasons at the helm. The decision, made public nine days after the team's loss in the National League Wild Card Series, comes as a result of the significant mental and physical toll the job has taken on him. Shildt, 56, informed the Padres of his decision on Saturday, citing a need to prioritize his well-being.

Shildt leaves the Padres with a strong legacy, having led the team to the postseason in both of his full seasons. He departs with a career managerial record of 435-340, a .561 winning percentage that ranks among the best in baseball history. His teams consistently achieved success, winning at least 90 games in each of the four 162-game seasons he managed, including his time with the Cardinals.

The Padres organization, led by President of Baseball Operations A.J. Preller, has expressed gratitude for Shildt's contributions, acknowledging his impact on the team and the San Diego community. The search for a new manager will begin immediately, with the goal of contending for a World Series championship in 2026. The new manager will be the Padres third since 2022.

The Padres will likely consider internal candidates for the managerial position, including pitching coach Ruben Niebla, baseball operations special assistant A.J. Ellis, and special assistant in player development Scott Servais. Bench coach Brian Esposito and special assistant to CEO Erik Greupner, Mark Loretta, could also be interviewed.

Shildt's departure leaves the Padres in a strong position, inheriting a team that won 183 games over the past two seasons, the most in franchise history over any two-year span. The 2026 Padres will aim to make the postseason for a third consecutive year, a feat never before achieved by the franchise.

BNN's Perspective:

While it's unfortunate to see a manager step away due to the pressures of the job, Shildt's decision highlights the demanding nature of professional sports. His focus on player development and team cohesion, coupled with his winning record, leaves a positive mark on the Padres organization. The team's immediate search for a new manager indicates a commitment to continued success, and we wish Shildt well in his future endeavors.

Keywords: Mike Shildt, Padres, retirement, manager, MLB, baseball, postseason, winning record, coaching, San Diego, A.J. Preller, Ruben Niebla, Scott Servais, managerial opening

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