Shildt Surprises San Diego Padres With Sudden Exit As Manager

After taking the San Diego Padres into the playoffs two years in a row, manager Mike Shildt has suddenly stepped aside.

The 57-year-old pilot, who never played in the majors, had two years to go on his four-year contract.

In a letter to the San Diego Union Tribune, Shildt explained his decision.

“The grind of the baseball season has taken a severe toll on me mentally, physically and emotionally,” he wrote. “While it has always been about serving others, it’s time I take care of myself and exit on my own terms.”

He thanked the Padres organization, president of baseball operations A.J. Preller, and his players, wishing them continued success.

No World Title

San Diego has won two pennants, in 1984 and 1998, but has never won a world championship.

This year’s Padres went 90-72, three games off the pace of the front-running Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League West. That second-place showing allowed San Diego to reach the best-of-three Wild Card Series, which it lost to the Chicago Cubs, two games to one. The finale had a memorable ending featuring a vehement dispute by Padres players who objected to home-plate umpire D.J. Reyburn calling Xander Bogaerts out on strikes on a 3-2 pitch well outside the strike zone. In the aftermath, Bogaerts was fined and Jose Iglesias suspended by MLB.

Shildt, who once managed the St. Louis Cardinals to a 17-game winning streak, is the 10th man who managed in the majors during the 2025 season but will not return.

Among the others are Brian Snitker (Braves), Bob Melvin (Giants), Rocco Baldelli (Twins), Bruce Bochy (Rangers), Brandon Hyde (Orioles), Derek Shelton (Pirates), Bud Black (Rockies), Ron Washington (Angels), and Davey Martinez (Nationals).

Powerful Roster

With Preller pulling all the strings at the trade deadline, San Diego put considerable pressure on the Dodgers during the second half. Padres pitchers Dylan Cease, Michael King, and Nick Pivetta were backed by a powerful 1-2 bullpen punch in Mason Miller and Robert Suarez. They also got strong support from All-Stars Manny Machado, Bogaerts, Jackson Merrill, and Fernando Tatis, Jr.

During Shildt’s tenure, the Padres went 183-141 (.565 winning percentage) over the last two seasons. It advanced to the NL Division Series in 2024 but fell short this season.

Preller had high praise for the departing pilot: “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.”

Tough Losses

The Padres placed fifth in the majors with a 3.75 earned run average but veteran Yu Darvish was a disappointment. Now Preller not only finds himself without a manager but potentially without Cease, King, and Suarez, all of whom are eligible for free agency.

Shildt succeeded Melvin as manager after the 2003 season, when the latter left to manage San Francisco. He instantly becomes a candidate to return now that the Giants let him go.

Bochy, another former Padres pilot, might also consider a return – bringing a resume that includes four world championships.

Shildt was National League Manager of the Year in 2019 for his work with the Cardinals and runner-up for the same award last year in San Diego.

According to multiple media reports, he plans to take a break from managing but would consider a return in the future.