Padres News: Mike Shildt Officially Hired as Friars New Manager

The Friars have a new leader!

The San Diego Padres have officially named Mike Shildt as their new manager after a long search. Shildt has been with the Padres and now gets the promotion to lead the team. MLB insider Jeff Passan was the one to break the news.

The San Diego Padres are hiring Mike Shildt as their new manager, sources tell ESPN. Shildt, 55, has been a senior adviser with the team and was 252-199 as manager of the St. Louis Cardinals. He takes over for Bob Melvin, who left to manage the Giants this winter.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) November 21, 2023

San Diego had preferred to hire from in-house and they have their wish. The Padres know they wasted a season last year, and they wanted to bring someone in who knew the players and how they operate.

MLB insider Bob Nightengale of USA Today has reported that it is a two-year deal for Shildt with the Friars.

Mike Shildt, who’s on his way to San Diego from his Charlotte home, receives a 2-year contract

— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) November 21, 2023

Shildt brings experience to the table, having been the manager of the St. Louis Cardinals for a few seasons. He took St. Louis to the playoffs three times and got them to the NLCS in 2019. Shildt was always one of the frontrunners for the job, and he understands how the Padres do business. 

The team is committed to putting together a competitive team this coming year after missing the postseason, and they believe he is the right man for the job. Congrats to Shildt on getting the Friars job, and now it's time to get to work!