Padres Notes: Mike Shildt Suddenly Retires, 5 Replacement Ideas, Why Did Shildt Leave?

Sep 19, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; San Diego Padres manager Mike Shildt (8) looks on from the sidelines before a baseball game between the Chicago White Sox and San Diego Padres at Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images | Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

San Diego Padres manager Mike Shildt announced his retirement in a letter on Monday.

It was a sudden move with no warning that something like this was coming, especially after the season.

He retired because "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," he added.

There are no details about his departure aside from the fact that he needed a break for himself.

Now, the Padres are searching for a leader who can guide the franchise to a World Series win. The managerial market has several teams seeking a figurehead, although five candidates stand out from the rest.

Here’s more information on these stories and all the latest Padres news (click the headline for the full article):

5 Candidates to Replace Mike Shildt as Padres' Manager

Mike Shildt Reveals Why He's Retiring as Padres Manager

Padres Send Message to Mike Shildt After Shocking Retirement Announcement

Padres’ Mike Shildt Announces Sudden Retirement as Manager

Padres’ AJ Preller Reacts to Shocking Mike Shildt Retirement

Padres Tweets of the Day:

Mike Shildt began as HS coach and youth instructor in North Carolina.

Assistant at UNC Charlotte for 5 years.

His first MLB job was as an area scout for 3 years. Minor league coach for 13 years.

6 seasons as MLB manager. 2019 Manager of the Year. 435-340 record. What a career. pic.twitter.com/uRFGwuHX32

— Danny Vietti (@DannyVietti) October 13, 2025

Mike Shildt's letter as he retires as Padres manager

(via @sdutKevinAcee)https://t.co/RDbVRKQTsC pic.twitter.com/5YXzUSfJYS

— Talking Friars (@TalkingFriars) October 13, 2025

A statement from President of Baseball Operations & GM A.J. Preller: pic.twitter.com/3ZZL56Yg5A

— San Diego Padres (@Padres) October 13, 2025

Sending health and well wishes to my friend Mike Shildt. It has been a pleasure working with you the last two seasons. Thank you 🙏. @Padres #BeWell pic.twitter.com/4Amc65jPxR

— Don Orsillo (@DonOrsillo) October 13, 2025

Thank you for your many contributions to the Padres organization and the San Diego community, Mike.

We wish you the very best in your retirement 💛 pic.twitter.com/s4JZVjd1z0

— San Diego Padres (@Padres) October 13, 2025

For more Padres news, head over to Padres on SI.