SAN DIEGO -- Mike Shildt announced his retirement as manager of the Padres on Monday, a stunning move that comes after Shildt had helmed two of the most successful seasons in Padres history.
Shildt informed the club of his decision on Saturday, sources said, before both Shildt and the Padres announced the move on Monday. In a letter, which was first obtained by the San Diego Union-Tribune, Shildt wrote:
“It is with a heavy but full heart that I am announcing my retirement from managing the San Diego Padres.
“It is a decision that I thought about during the season and became at peace with over the last 10 days. I gave every fiber of my being to help achieve Peter Seidler’s vision of bringing a World Series Championship to San Diego. We fell short of the ultimate goal, but I am proud of what the players, staff and organization were able to accomplish the last two seasons.
“The grind of the baseball season has taken a severe toll on me mentally, physically and emotionally. While it has always been about serving others, it’s time I take care of myself and exit on my terms.”
Only last October, Shildt had signed a contract extension that ran through the 2027 season, which added to the surprise nature of Monday’s announcement. He took over following the 2023 season and led the Padres to back-to-back playoff appearances for the first time since 2005-06. The consecutive 90-win seasons marked a first in franchise history.
Both of Shildt’s Padres teams fell short in winner-take-all playoff games on the road, losing Game 3 of the 2025 NL Wild Card Series to the Cubs and Game 5 of the ‘24 NL Division Series at Dodger Stadium.
Nonetheless, Shildt departs with a .565 winning percentage as manager of the Padres, which ranks as the highest in franchise history, not including interim managers. Across his two seasons, Shildt posted a 183-141 record and a 5-5 record in the playoffs.
“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,” general manager A.J. 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.”
Preller is expected to speak with the media on Tuesday.
The next Padres manager will be the 24th in club history and the sixth since Preller took over in August 2014. Each of the past three Padres managers, including Shildt, has lasted precisely two years at the helm of the club. Shildt had previously spent two years as an adviser in the organization, after parts of four seasons managing the Cardinals.
“I am extremely appreciative to the Padres, Peter Seidler, the Seidler family, Erik Greupner, A.J. Preller and the staff for the trust and confidence to lead this team. I’m confident I left things in a better place,” Shildt wrote in his letter. “However, I am most grateful for our players. San Diego is rightfully proud of the Padres players. It is a group that conducts themselves with class, is dedicated to each other and the common goal of winning a World Series. I love our players and will miss them dearly!!”
The next manager in San Diego will inherit a clear playoff-contending roster but one with flaws and question marks moving forward -- not to mention an uphill climb in the NL West. The Padres boast a number of superstars. But a handful of key contributors are set to reach free agency and it’s unclear what level of flexibility they’ll have this offseason to add to their roster.
Nonetheless, Preller has routinely maneuvered to put together contending rosters in San Diego over the past six seasons. He’ll be looking to do so again this winter -- and looking to find the right manager to lead that group.