Ex-Cardinals Skipper Appears To Be Frontrunner For NL Managerial Opening

St. Louis could see an old friend in the opposing dugout

The St. Louis Cardinals likely will oppose manager Oli Marmol's predecessor next season.

"Bob Melvin is the leading candidate to become the (San Francisco) Giants’ next manager," The San Diego Union Tribune's Kevin Acee wrote Monday. "And should he depart San Diego, Mike Shildt is the leading candidate to be the Padres’ next manager."

Melvin has since officially been named the Giants manager and it turns out Shildt had the first crack to impress the Padres' brass.

"Mike Shildt is expected to interview for the Padres' managerial opening (Thursday), sources tell me and Britt Ghiroli," The Athletic's Dennis Lin wrote Wednesday. "Ryan Flaherty's interview is scheduled for Friday."

Schildt has held the title of Padres' Senior Advisor to Player Development and Major Leagues for the past two years. Prior to heading West, Schildt was the Cardinals manager for 3 1/2 seasons -- 2018-21. 

During that span, Shildt posted a 252-199 record and made the postseason in all three of his full seasons leading the charge. He even won National League Manager of the Year in 2021. 

It now appears more likely than not that Schildt will take the reigns for what is supposed to be a perennial postseason contender -- though that has not gone to plan. 

The Cardinals will head to San Diego on April 1 to kick off a three-game set with the Padres, and possibly their former manager.

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