The San Diego Padres are currently facing a conundrum: who to pursue as a replacement for their former manager, Mike Shildt, who just retired yesterday. However, MLB insider Bob Nightengale revealed the top options the Padres could pursue, and one name stands out.
That name is former Friars manager Bruce Bochy, who is on his way out from the Texas Rangers and is looking for a new home.
“Yet, the most intriguing name already circulating is a future Hall of Famer manager who began his career in San Diego. Bruce Bochy, 70, who managed 12 years for the Padres, leading them to a World Series appearance in 1998 before winning three World Series titles with the San Francisco Giants and one with the Texas Rangers, says he still has interest in managing,” Nightengale wrote.
Like Nightengale wrote, Bochy would bring a LOT more experience back to San Diego for a second go-around. Since he left, he’s won four World Series, five pennants, and got himself a Manager of the Year award.
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Bochy has seen World Series success as recent as 2023, so taking the Padres all the way wouldn’t be that hard. As long as they keep the core of their roster and make a couple of upgrades, Bochy could lead them to their first championship.
Hopefully, the Padres pick up the phone soon, as multiple other teams looking for skippers will be on the prowl for someone as accomplished as Bochy, too. If they get to it quickly, pitching a reunion with his first team as a manager might be all the leverage they need.
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