Padres News: Mike Shildt Reveals Where He Believes Strength of 2024 Team Comes From

Shildt is ready to shock some people this season.

The San Diego Padres roster still boasts an impressive collection of star power despite a quieter-than-normal offseason. It has seen them lose multiple productive members from the 2023 team as the front office looks to shed salary. 

They have made a few smaller moves to build a more well-balanced squad, but many are still low on their potential. However, as the Padres saw last season, expectations mean nothing until the games are actually played.

New manager Mike Shildt shared where he believes the strength of the team will come from this season. He has been around the guys in the clubhouse already, so Shildt knows how to best put these players into places for success.

“We’ll just see how it unfolds as we go,” Shildt said. “I do think our bullpen is gonna be a strength of our club. But one of the reasons your bullpen is a strength is based on your starters being able to eat innings. We can’t be living in our bullpen early often. … I’ve been really impressed with the group and always impressed with Ruben (Niebla, the Padres pitching coach) and his group. I’m confident we’ll get the best out of what we have and (navigate) the balancing act of making sure we’re competing and keeping these guys healthy. The bottom line is we’re gonna have to have people step up and perform.”

Per Mike Shildt via The San Diego Union-Tribune

The Padres are expected to use a closer-by-committee approach this coming season after losing former closer Josh Hader to the Houston Astros. San Diego has added multiple pieces to their bullpen, all of which should be able to take over when called upon.

Building out a bullpen with more quality arms should help alleviate any late-inning issues for this team. The front office understands that having a solid plan in the final innings is very key to success on the field.