Manager Mike Shildt to retire after two seasons with Padres

San Diego Padres manager Mike Shildt announced Monday that he will retire immediately after guiding the club to the playoffs in his two seasons at the helm. Shildt, 57, compiled a 183-141 record in two seasons as the Padres manager, with the club advancing to the National League Division Series in 2024 before it was eliminated by the Chicago Cubs in the wild-card round this season. Shildt, who was also the manager of the St. Louis Cardinals from 2018-21, was 435-340 over his six MLB seasons. He guided the Cardinals to the playoffs three times, including the National League Championship Series in 2019. Shildt said his decision to retire came "with a heavy but full heart." "The grind of a baseball season has taken a severe toll on me mentally, physically and emotionally," Shildt said in a statement, via the San Diego Union-Tribune. "While it has always been about serving others, it's time I take care of myself and exit on my terms." Shildt said he pondered retirement during the season and came to peace with the decision in recent weeks. "(Shildt's) dedication and passion for the game of baseball will leave an impact on our organization, and we wish him the best in his next chapter," Padres president of baseball operations and general manager A.J. Preller said in a statement. "The search for a new manager of the Padres will begin immediately with the goal of winning a World Series championship in 2026." –Field Level Media

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