Mike Shildt retires as Padres manager after two seasons, citing mental and physical toll and a need to care for himself. He steered San Diego to 183-141 with two 90-win campaigns and two postseason berths, including a 2024 Wild Card win over Atlanta and a later NLDS loss to the Dodgers. San Diego will begin an immediate managerial search as it pursues a 2026 World Series.

The retirement follows a 2025 season that ended in a three-game Wild Card loss to the Chicago Cubs. Ownership, AJ Preller and Erik Greupner praised his leadership as the club moves to a rapid replacement while pursuing a title-ready roster for the next era.

The San Diego Padres and manager Mike Shildt are parting ways after Shildt informed the club on Saturday that he's stepping away on his own terms to take care of himself.

The move creates a managerial vacancy and begins a Padres search that could reshape rotation decisions, bullpen usage, and daily lineups, with immediate questions about how players will fare under new leadership.

For fantasy managers, the change adds uncertainty around roles and usage, making it essential to monitor the hiring process and any early signals from the next skipper.