Padres News: Mike Shildt Making The Most Of His Opportunity On Friars Coaching Staff

Shildt just happy to still be helping an MLB franchise even if he is not managing.

99% of coverage done around the MLB is about the players. Following that will be a small chunk of quotes given by team owners and managers but very little shine is put on the coaching staff. Therefore, it is time that we now shift our attention to the current third base coach of the San Diego Padres: Mike Shildt.

Shildt was the head coach of the St.Louis Cardinals in 2017 and quickly rose to become their manager the following year. He stayed in that position for three seasons and helped the team defy all odds in their 2021 season and overcome a poor start to make the playoffs. Shildt was named the NL Manager of the Year but St.Louis' front office decided they wanted to make a change and fired him despite his clear progress.

However, instead of dwelling on that ended partnership, Shildt has found a new family in the Friars. He was hired by them in 2021 and besides overseeing third base, he also is the Senior Advisor to Player Development. In an exclusive interview with the San Diego-Union Tribune, Shildt was ecstatic to talk about the franchise and his roles within.

“It’s a great time to be a Padre. ... I’m doing the best I can to help where I can.”

Mike Shildt finds peace, satisfaction in role(s) with Padres; looks forward to another chance to manage https://t.co/1P8uM6C8K1

— Kevin Acee (@sdutKevinAcee) March 14, 2023

"I love it here," said Shildt. "And I'm grateful for this opportunity to be here. Your body of work speaks for yourself and you earn the opportunity. But they stepped up to give it to me. People have been good to me."

Shildt came to San Diego's team with quite the resume and his presence is greatly appreciated. Melvin can lean to him for advice due to his prior experience being a manager and bounce ideas off of him. Shildt was also said to have played a major role in helping Fernando Tatis Jr. through all of his turmoil over the past few years.

The Friars have an insane squad on paper this season but when it comes to getting the job done, the coaching staff plays just as big of a role. Bringing Shildt in will prove as a game changer for the Padres.